Naxxar Residents Flee Homes as Construction Site Collapse Feared

In the quiet, residential streets of Naxxar, a sudden commotion broke out on Tuesday morning. Ten families were hurriedly evacuated from their homes, not due to a fire or a flood, but because of fears that a nearby construction site might collapse.

Chaos at Triq il-Kbira

The drama unfolded at Triq il-Kbira, a main street in the heart of Naxxar. The construction site, a large plot of land earmarked for a new residential complex, had shown signs of instability, prompting swift action from the Civil Protection Department. Neighbours watched in disbelief as excavators were hastily moved away from the site, and emergency services arrived to cordon off the area.

“I was making breakfast when I heard the commotion outside,” said Maria, a long-time resident of Triq il-Kbira who wished to be identified only by her first name. “I looked out and saw the police and Civil Protection officers. They told us to leave immediately. It was all very sudden and frightening.”

Evacuation and Safety Measures

Ten families were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. They were temporarily housed in a nearby school, where they awaited news about their homes. The Civil Protection Department, along with experts from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), worked swiftly to assess the situation.

Engineers were called in to examine the site. They discovered that the ground beneath the construction site had been weakened by recent heavy rainfall, leading to fears that the site might collapse. Emergency services worked through the night to reinforce the site and ensure the safety of the residents.

Residents’ Concerns and Official Response

News of the evacuation spread quickly among Naxxar’s residents. Many expressed concern about the safety of their homes and the potential environmental impact of a collapse. “We’ve been worried about this construction for a while now,” said Joseph, another resident of Triq il-Kbira. “It’s a relief that something was done, but we’re still anxious about what might happen.”

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Planning released a statement reassuring residents that their safety was the top priority. The ministry also announced that it would be reviewing the safety measures and permits related to the construction site.

As of Wednesday morning, all evacuated residents have been allowed to return to their homes. However, the construction site remains closed pending further investigations. Engineers will continue to monitor the site to ensure that it is safe before any work resumes.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from construction work, especially in Malta’s densely populated areas. It also highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and regular inspections to protect both workers and residents.

For now, life in Naxxar has returned to normal. But the residents of Triq il-Kbira will no doubt be watching the construction site with a keen eye, hoping that their homes remain safe.