In a joint interview alongside Vassallo Group CEO Pio Vassallo broadcast earlier today on Who’s Who, AX Group’s Construction Development Director Denise Micallef Xuereb shared some insights on the strains felt throughout the construction industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and insisted that: “Now’s the time to emphasize on the quality of developments.”

Through positive observations made during the past two months, Ms Micallef Xuereb insists the time has come to focus on social infrastructure, such as cycle paths, parks and good pavements, for public enjoyment: “These can be done on a local council level,” she said, adding that planning is key to make such spaces truly function. “COVID-19 taught us a lot,” the director acknowledges.

Reflecting on the current crisis, Ms Micallef Xuereb admits that while a lull is expected in the short-term, the long-term outlook remains positive: “We have always been a hard-working and creative economy and in time we’ll probably bounce back faster than others,” she said.

Ms Micallef Xuereb urged fellow contractors to use the time they have wisely: “Let us invest in our people. Get those skills, let us train, let’s get those skill cards,” she said. The director also called for more investments in technology, as well as the importance of engaging in new work practices and working towards the same goal: “I believe that if we as contractors really stick together, we can really raise the bar and raise the standards and we can really start making a difference in our own industry,” she concluded.