Steward’s €160,000 Bill Shock
€160,000 Bill for Services: The Steward’s Surprise
Imagine waking up one morning to find a bill for €160,000 in your mailbox. This wasn’t a nightmare for a local steward, but a reality that left him scratching his head. The bill, served by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), was for security and clerical services rendered during the planning process of a development project in Msida.
From Planning to Surprise Bill
The steward, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been involved in the planning process of a residential development on Triq Il-Kappillan Mifsud in Msida. The project, like many others, required security and clerical services to ensure smooth operation and compliance with regulations. The steward had hired a company to provide these services, assuming the costs would be covered by the developer.
However, months after the project was completed and the developer had moved on, the steward received a bill from MEPA. The bill, totaling €160,000, was for the very services he had assumed were covered by the developer. The steward was left wondering, “How did this happen? And how am I supposed to pay this?”
MEPA’s Stance and the Law
MEPA, in a statement to Hot Malta, explained that the steward, as the person responsible for the planning application, is legally liable for any costs incurred during the planning process. This includes security and clerical services. The authority maintained that it had sent several reminders to the steward about the impending bill, but to no avail.
According to the Development Planning Act, the person responsible for a planning application is indeed liable for all costs incurred during the planning process. However, the steward argues that he was not made aware of this liability and had assumed the costs would be covered by the developer.
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
The steward’s case has raised important questions about the clarity of communication and understanding of legal liabilities in the planning process. While MEPA maintains it sent reminders, the steward insists he received none. This highlights the need for clearer communication channels and perhaps even a legal review of the Development Planning Act to ensure all parties are aware of their liabilities.
For now, the steward is left with a hefty bill and a legal battle. He has engaged a lawyer and is seeking a resolution. “I just want this to be fair,” he told Hot Malta. “I didn’t set out to be responsible for €160,000 worth of services.”
