The scheme, the minister said, will be mandatory and enforceable by law. It builds on a similar, voluntary scheme proposed by the Malta Developers Association last summer.
The minister said families had to “feel safe in their homes” and for the sector to remain strong and sustainable, all possible measures had to be implemented to ensure development did not negatively impact the community.
“We are working towards striking a balance between the needs of an industry which is so important for our economy and the wellbeing of our society,” Farrugia said.
Concerns about unsafe excavation and demolition practices have mounted over the past year, after Miriam Pace died when her house collapsed onto her as workers excavated next door.
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Home, shop and office owners will soon be able to apply for a grant of up to €10,000 to green the facade of their buildings, through a new scheme that will begin next month.
The Green Your Building scheme will refund 100 per cent of eligible works, including all costs related to labour, materials, equipment hire and a five-year maintenance plan, to set up green facades, green walls or the green retrofitting of front gardens.
A budget of €2 million has been allocated to the scheme, which is a first for Malta. Applications will open on February 15 and will end on April 9, with funds available on a first-come, first-served basis.