Naxxar Residents Evacuated as Building Collapse Fears Mount

In the quiet, residential streets of Naxxar, a construction site has become the epicentre of concern. Ten families have been evacuated from their homes, their lives upended by fears of an impending building collapse. The usually peaceful village, known for its rural charm and historic sites, is now a hive of activity, with emergency services and concerned residents buzzing around the troubled site.

Evacuation Order: A Night Under the Stars

Last night, residents of ten apartments in Triq il-Kuncizzjoni were given just hours to pack their belongings and leave their homes. The order came from the Civil Protection Department, acting on advice from structural engineers who expressed fears about the stability of the building adjacent to the construction site. For the evacuated families, it was a night under the stars, with many taken in by relatives or put up in temporary accommodation provided by the local council.

Construction Site: A Growing Concern

The construction site in question is a new development on Triq il-Kuncizzjoni, a street named after the nearby ancient tower, Il-Kuncizzjoni. The site has been a source of concern for residents for some time, with complaints about vibrations and cracks appearing in their homes. These concerns reached a head yesterday when engineers inspecting the site raised the alarm about the stability of the adjacent building.

Hot Malta has learned that the construction company, Malta-based Xplore Developments, has been cooperating with authorities. They have temporarily halted work on the site and are assisting with the rehousing of the evacuated families. However, they declined to comment further, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations.

Authorities: Safety First

Speaking to Hot Malta, a spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department stressed that the evacuation was a precautionary measure. “Our priority is the safety of the residents. We are working closely with the local council and the construction company to ensure that the situation is resolved as quickly as possible,” they said.

Naxxar Local Council has set up an emergency hotline for affected residents and has assured them that they will be compensated for any expenses incurred as a result of the evacuation. The council has also promised to expedite the necessary repairs to the affected building once the cause of the instability has been identified.

Residents: Awaiting Answers

For the evacuated residents, the coming days will be a time of uncertainty. They are anxious to return to their homes but are also concerned about the safety of their families. “We just want to know what’s happening,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve been told it could be a few days, it could be weeks. We just want some answers.”

As the investigation into the cause of the instability continues, one thing is clear: the quiet streets of Naxxar will not return to normal until the safety of its residents is assured.