Naxxar Residents’ Warnings on Construction Site Fall on Deaf Ears

Imagine this: a construction site, right in the heart of Naxxar, has been a thorn in residents’ sides for years. Now, it’s not just an eyesore, but a potential safety hazard too. So why hasn’t anything been done about it? That’s the question on everyone’s lips in this quiet Maltese town.

Years of Complaints, No Action

Locals have been raising the alarm about the site on Triq il-Kappella, just a stone’s throw from the historic Naxxar Church, for what feels like an eternity. The site, meant for a residential development, has been left to gather dust and debris, with no sign of progress. But more than the eyesore, it’s the safety concerns that have residents worried.

“It’s a safety hazard,” says Joseph, a long-time Naxxar resident who asked not to use his full name. “Kids play in the area, and with all that loose debris, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.”

Authority Response: Silence or Empty Promises

Residents have turned to the local council and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) for help, but their cries for action have fallen on deaf ears. Complaints have been met with either silence or vague promises of action, leaving residents feeling frustrated and helpless.

Councillor for Naxxar, Mario Vella, admits that the site has been a problem. “We’ve been trying to push for action, but it’s been difficult,” he says. “We need stricter enforcement of planning regulations, and we need MEPA to step up.”

Safety First, or Profit?

Environmental lawyer, Dr. Claire Bonello, believes that the lack of action could be down to profit motives. “Developers often leave sites idle to avoid paying development levies,” she says. “But this is putting people’s safety at risk, and that’s not acceptable.”

Dr. Bonello encourages residents to keep pushing for action. “Don’t give up. Keep complaining, keep making noise. It’s the only way to get things done in Malta.”

So, what’s next for the Triq il-Kappella site? . But one thing’s for sure – Naxxar residents aren’t going to stop fighting until their concerns are addressed.