Naxxar Evacuation: Ten Families Await Safety Clearance

In the quiet, residential street of Triq l-Imqabba, Naxxar, a once peaceful scene turned chaotic on Tuesday morning. Ten families were abruptly evacuated from their homes as fears of a building collapse through the community. The cause? A construction site next door, where a towering apartment block was under construction.

Neighbours woke up to the unsettling sight of cracks snaking up the walls of the under-construction building. The developer, Malta-based Progressive Developments, swiftly acted, calling in emergency services and ordering the evacuation of nearby homes as a precaution. Fire and Rescue Services, along with Civil Protection Department officials, cordoned off the area, ensuring no one was in harm’s way.

“We were just getting ready for work when we saw the cracks,” said Maria, a resident of Triq l-Imqabba. “It was scary. We didn’t know what to expect, so we grabbed what we could and left.”

Engineers from the Building Regulation Office were promptly called in to assess the situation. They spent hours inspecting the site, taking measurements, and examining the structure’s integrity. Their findings, however, are yet to be made public, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Progressive Developments has issued a statement, assuring residents that safety is their top priority. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause of these cracks and ensure the safety of our neighbours,” the statement read.

In the meantime, evacuated families have been temporarily housed in a nearby hotel, their lives on hold until the all-clear is given. “It’s not ideal,” said another resident, Joseph. “But we’re just glad we’re safe. We’ll wait for the authorities’ go-ahead before we return home.”

This incident has raised questions about construction safety and the impact of such projects on nearby residents. It’s a conversation that’s been ongoing in Malta, with many calling for stricter regulations and better communication between developers and communities.

For now, the focus is on ensuring the safety of the Triq l-Imqabba residents. As one official put it, “We won’t rush this. We’ll take our time, ensure everything is safe, and only then will we allow these families to return home.”

As for the construction site, its future hangs in the balance. Until the engineers give the green light, work remains suspended, and the towering structure stands as a stark reminder of the day it caused a neighbourhood to evacuate.