Naxxar Residents Evacuated as Construction Site Crumbles

In the quiet Maltese town of Naxxar, a construction site has turned into a scene of chaos and concern. Ten families were abruptly evacuated from their homes on Tuesday evening as fears of a building collapse through the usually peaceful community.

Collapse Fears Trigger Evacuation

Residents of St. Paul’s Street and surrounding areas were left shaken after the developer of a nearby construction site raised alarm over potential structural instability. The developer, Malta Developers Ltd, immediately contacted the Civil Protection Department, leading to the evacuation of 40 people from their homes.

“We were watching TV when we heard a loud rumble,” said Maria, a 65-year-old resident who wished to be identified only by her first name. “We rushed outside to see a cloud of dust coming from the construction site. It was terrifying.”

Inspections and Safety Measures

The Civil Protection Department, along with experts from the Building Regulation Office and the Malta Developers Association, swiftly arrived at the scene. They conducted thorough inspections of the site and the adjacent buildings, with a focus on the 12-story block of apartments under construction.

Preliminary findings suggest that a retaining wall on the site may have given way, triggering fears of a potential collapse. Safety measures, including the temporary closure of nearby roads and the evacuation of residents, were immediately implemented.

In a statement, Malta Developers Ltd assured residents that they were working closely with authorities to ensure the safety of the community. “We regret any inconvenience caused and want to assure our neighbors that their safety is our top priority,” the statement read.

Residents in Limbo, Support Pouring In

Evacuated residents were temporarily housed in a nearby school, with the Naxxar Local Council providing food, water, and blankets. The Red Cross also stepped in to offer emotional support to those affected.

“We’re grateful for the support, but it’s still unsettling,” said another resident, Joseph. “We don’t know when we can go back home, or if our homes are even safe.”

Naxxar Mayor, Doris Abela, visited the evacuation center, promising residents that the council was doing everything in its power to ensure their safety and well-being. “Our priority is to get these families back into their homes as soon as possible, but only when it’s absolutely safe,” she said.

As of Wednesday morning, residents remained in temporary accommodation, with authorities continuing their investigations and safety assessments. The construction site remains closed, and the future of the development hangs in the balance.

This is not the first time that construction projects in Malta have raised safety concerns. In 2019, a similar incident in Birkirkara led to the evacuation of several families and raised questions about the island’s construction standards and regulations.

As the situation in Naxxar unfolds, one thing is clear: the safety of residents must be the top priority. The future of the construction project, and the development it promises, must wait until the community is assured of its safety.

For now, the families of Naxxar wait, their lives on hold, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to normalcy.