Naxxar Residents Evacuated as Construction Site Wall Nears Collapse
· Updated
In brief
- Residents in Naxxar were evacuated after a three-storey wall at a construction site showed signs of collapse.
- The incident involved shifting foundations and damaged support columns at a large development.
- Police were called to the site, which is reportedly owned by developer Anton Camilleri, known as 'Tal Franciż'.
Residents in Naxxar were evacuated from their homes today after a three-storey wall at a major construction site showed signs of imminent collapse. The incident, which prompted safety concerns, occurred at a large development on the outskirts of the town.
Reports indicate that parts of the columns supporting the wall gave way, and foundations beneath the site reportedly shifted. This led to fears that sections of the development could collapse, endangering nearby properties.
Police were called to the scene, specifically at the corner of Triq il-Knisja and Triq San Pawl, to assess the situation and ensure public safety. The area was secured as a precaution.
The development is reportedly owned by Anton Camilleri, a prominent developer known as 'Tal Franciż'. The shifting foundations and structural damage have raised questions about construction practices and oversight at the site.
Ten families were evacuated from their homes in Naxxar earlier today following concerns that a three-storey wall at a nearby construction site was at risk of collapse. The evacuations were initiated as a precautionary measure after residents raised alarms about the stability of the structure.
A minister confirmed the evacuations, stating they were taken to ensure public safety. However, the developer involved in the project maintained that there was "no danger" at the site, despite the residents' concerns and the official response.
New footage has emerged confirming damage at a construction site in Naxxar, following reports of ground movement yesterday evening. Residents in the area were reportedly shaken by the incident, which raised fears of a potential collapse.
Police and other authorities were called to the scene at the corner of Triq il-Milizzja and Triq is-Seneskalk. The incident follows earlier reports of a three-storey wall at the same site showing signs of collapse, which led to residents being evacuated.
Ten families were evacuated from their homes in Naxxar yesterday after the foundations of a nearby construction site failed. This incident follows earlier reports of a wall at the site showing signs of collapse, leading to the initial evacuation of residents.
Residents affected by the incident stated that they had been filing complaints about the construction site for three years prior to the foundation failure. These complaints reportedly highlighted concerns regarding the safety and stability of the ongoing development.
In response to the incident, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have both initiated investigations into the reports concerning the Naxxar construction site.
Political parties have also reacted to the developments. ADPD – The Green Party commented that 'planning is not simply giving out permits as gifts,' suggesting a need for more rigorous oversight in construction permits. Momentum also called for a 'full independent' investigation into the incident.
Residents who were evacuated from their homes near a Naxxar construction site have now been allowed to return. The decision followed an inspection by an independent architect, who was appointed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The architect assessed both the construction site and the adjacent apartment blocks.
Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on the evacuation of residents due to concerns about a collapsing wall.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that families living near the controversial site had reportedly been filing complaints for three years. A resident told MaltaToday that these complaints concerned the construction works.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both Lovin Malta and MaltaToday reported the developments factually, with MaltaToday adding details about long-standing complaints.
Updates
- : Updated with details of the number of families evacuated, residents' prior complaints, and the launch of official investigations.
- : Residents evacuated from the Naxxar construction site have been allowed to return home, while it emerged that complaints about the site had been filed for three years.