In the quiet, tree-lined streets of Naxxar, a sense of unease has settled. Ten families, residents of the peaceful town just north of Malta’s capital, have been uprooted from their homes. The reason? Fears of a potential collapse at a nearby construction site.

The Site: A Looming Shadow

The construction site in question is located on Triq il-Kbira, Naxxar’s main street, just a stone’s throw away from the historic St. Nicholas Church. The site, which was meant to house a new apartment block, has been a source of concern for residents for months. Cracks have begun to appear in the surrounding buildings, and fears of a potential collapse have grown.

Last week, those fears reached a head. The Building Regulation Office ordered the evacuation of ten families from their homes as a precautionary measure. The families, many of whom have lived in Naxxar for generations, have been temporarily relocated to hotels while the situation is assessed.

The Investigation: A Race Against Time

The Malta Developers Association has been quick to distance itself from the incident, stating that the site in question is not a member project. The focus is now on the investigation, with experts from the Building Regulation Office and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) working tirelessly to determine the cause of the structural issues.

In the meantime, Naxxar Local Council has been working to support the evacuated families. Mayor Doris Abela has been vocal in her concern for the residents, stating, “Our priority is the safety of our residents. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that they are taken care of during this difficult time.”

The Future: Uncertainty Lingers

The evacuated families are living in a state of limbo, unsure of when, or even if, they will be able to return to their homes. The investigation is ongoing, and it may be weeks, if not months, before a definitive answer is provided.

For now, Naxxar residents are left to wonder what the future holds. Will their homes be deemed safe, or will they be forced to start anew? . But one thing is certain: the quiet streets of Naxxar will never feel quite the same until these families can return home.