Naxxar’s Construction Nightmare: Building Agency Fined Seven Times in a Year

Imagine this: you’re a Naxxar resident, trying to sleep at night, but all you hear is the relentless hum of heavy machinery. You look out your window and see a construction site, lights blazing, workers toiling away, long after they should have packed up. This isn’t a one-off; it’s been happening for months. Now, imagine finding out that the building agency responsible has been fined seven times in just one year, after 110 inspections. Welcome to the reality facing many Naxxar locals.

From Permits to Problems: A Timeline of Infractions

The Building Regulation Office (BRO) has been keeping a close eye on a particular construction site in Naxxar, located on Triq il-Kuncizzjoni. Since January 2021, they’ve conducted a staggering 110 inspections, with the site failing to comply with regulations on seven occasions. Fines have been issued, totaling €14,500, with the most recent penalty handed out just last month.

According to BRO records, the first fine was issued in February 2021, with the agency found guilty of carrying out construction work outside permitted hours. This was followed by a series of similar infringements, including working on Sundays and public holidays, failing to implement adequate noise control measures, and even carrying out unauthorised alterations to the building’s facade.

Neighbours’ Frustration Boils Over

Residents in the vicinity of the construction site have expressed their frustration at the constant noise and disruption. “It’s like they think the rules don’t apply to them,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “I’ve had to take time off work because I can’t sleep at night. It’s ridiculous.” Another resident complained about the lack of consideration for nearby properties, “They’ve caused damage to our walls and windows, and when we’ve complained, they’ve just ignored us.”

Local councillor, Mario Vella, has been inundated with complaints from his constituents. “I’ve raised these issues with the BRO and the agency themselves,” he said. “But the infringements keep happening. It’s high time something is done to put a stop to this.”

Agency’s Response and the Way Forward

Hot Malta reached out to the building agency in question, but they declined to comment. However, a source close to the agency suggested that the fines were a result of “minor oversights” and that the agency was “committed to ensuring full compliance with regulations moving forward.”

BRO officials have stated that they are aware of the situation and are taking steps to ensure that the agency adheres to the rules. “We have increased our inspections and will continue to monitor the site closely,” said a BRO spokesperson. “We urge the public to report any infringements, as this helps us to take swift action.”

As for the residents of Naxxar, they’re hoping for some much-needed peace and quiet. “We just want them to follow the rules,” said one resident. “Is that too much to ask?”

If you’re a Naxxar resident affected by this issue, or if you have information about other construction sites flouting regulations, you can contact the BRO on 21246500 or via email at bro@gov.mt. Stay tuned to Hot Malta for more updates on this story.