Naxxar’s Towering Concern: Momentum Calls for Probe into Development Fears

Imagine waking up to the sight of a once-stable building, now teetering on the edge of collapse, just a stone’s throw away from your home. This is the reality for residents of Triq il-Kbira, Naxxar, who have been living in fear since a five-storey block of flats started showing signs of distress. Now, environmental group Momentum is urging authorities to investigate the development, citing concerns over shoddy construction and a lack of oversight.

From Stability to Strife: A Building’s Decline

The building in question, located at the heart of Naxxar, was completed just a few years ago. It was meant to be a symbol of progress, offering modern living spaces in the historic town. However, cracks began to appear in the structure’s facade soon after it was inhabited. Initially dismissed as minor issues, these cracks have since grown into gaping fissures, raising alarm bells among residents and passersby.

Photos circulating on social media show the building’s walls leaning at an unsettling angle, with chunks of concrete crumbling from its sides. The sight has sparked panic among residents, who fear that the building could collapse at any moment, endangering lives and causing significant damage to nearby properties.

Momentum’s Call to Action

Environmental group Momentum has been at the forefront of the campaign to investigate the building’s decline. The group’s spokesperson, Dr. Joseph Borg, told Hot Malta, “We’re not just talking about a few cracks here. This is a clear sign of a major structural failure. We need to get to the bottom of this, and fast, before someone gets hurt.”

Momentum is calling on the Planning Authority and the Building Regulation Office to launch a joint investigation into the construction of the building. They suspect that the developer may have cut corners during the building process, leading to the structure’s rapid decline.

“We’ve seen similar cases in the past,” Dr. Borg said. “Developers prioritizing profit over safety, using substandard materials, and hiring unqualified workers. We can’t let this happen in Naxxar.”

Residents’ Plight: Living in Fear

For the residents of Triq il-Kbira, the building’s decline has been a source of constant worry. Many have reported sleepless nights, fearing that the building could collapse at any moment. Some have even moved out temporarily, unable to bear the anxiety any longer.

“I’ve lived here all my life,” said Maria Azzopardi, a 65-year-old Naxxar resident. “I’ve never felt unsafe in my town until now. I wake up every morning, look out my window, and pray that the building is still standing.”

Other residents have expressed frustration at the lack of action from authorities. “We’ve reported this to the police, to the council, to anyone who’ll listen,” said Paul Camilleri, a 35-year-old father of two. “But nothing seems to be happening. We’re left here, living in fear, while our concerns fall on deaf ears.”

: Demolition or Salvage?

The future of the building remains uncertain. Some argue that it should be demolished immediately to ensure the safety of those living nearby. Others, however, believe that the building could be salvaged, given the right resources and expertise.

Dr. Borg believes that the first step is to find out what went wrong. “We need a thorough investigation,” he said. “Only then can we decide the best course of action. But one thing is for certain – something must be done, and it must be done now.”

For now, the residents of Naxxar can only wait and hope. Hope that the building will hold, hope that the authorities will act, and hope that their town will return to the safe haven it once was.

Hot Malta has reached out to the Planning Authority and the Building Regulation Office for comment. We will update this story as more information becomes available.