Naxxar Residents Evacuated as Construction Site Collapse Feared

In the quiet, residential street of Triq l-Imqabba, Naxxar, an eerie silence hung in the air this morning. Usually bustling with the chatter of children playing and the hum of daily life, the street was deserted. Ten families, around 40 people, had been evacuated from their homes, their lives disrupted by fears of a construction site collapse just metres away.

Construction Site Woes

The construction site in question is a long-standing eyesore for Naxxar residents. Intended to be a block of luxury apartments, it has been plagued with delays and issues since it began over five years ago. The site’s proximity to residential homes has always been a concern, but today, those fears reached a head.

Neighbours woke to the sound of alarming cracks and groans emanating from the site. Fearing the worst, they immediately alerted the police and Civil Protection Department. Acting swiftly, authorities evacuated the nearby homes as a precautionary measure.

Engineers Inspect the Site

Throughout the day, engineers could be seen inspecting the site, their faces grave as they took measurements and consulted with each other. The cause of the structural concerns is still under investigation, but rumours are circulating among residents about possible shoddy workmanship and non-compliance with building regulations.

This is not the first time the site has made headlines. In 2019, a similar incident led to temporary evacuations. The developer, a local construction company, assured residents that the site was safe, but many remain sceptical.

Residents’ Concerns and Support

Among the evacuated residents is Maria, a retired teacher who has lived on Triq l-Imqabba for over 30 years. “I’ve seen this site turn from a peaceful field into a constant source of worry,” she says, her voice heavy with concern. “We just want to feel safe in our homes again.”

Despite the disruption, the Naxxar community has rallied around the affected families. Neighbours have offered temporary accommodation, and local shops have donated food and essentials. The parish church has also opened its doors to provide a space for residents to gather and support each other.

The evacuated families are currently staying with relatives or in temporary accommodation provided by the local council. They await news from the authorities on when, or if, they can return home. In the meantime, they, along with the rest of Naxxar, hope that this incident will finally force a resolution to the long-standing issues at the construction site.

For now, the future remains uncertain for the residents of Triq l-Imqabba. But one thing is clear – they will not go down without a fight. As Maria puts it, “We’ve been patient for too long. It’s time for action, for answers, and for our safety to be prioritised.”