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

Imagine this: you’re a homeowner in Naxxar, waking up to the din of construction every morning for over a year. Now, imagine finding out that the site causing all that noise has been fined seven times by Malta’s Building Regulation Office (BRO). This isn’t a plot from a sitcom; it’s the reality facing residents of Triq il-Kuncizzjoni in Naxxar.

110 Inspections, 7 Fines: The Numbers Don’t Lie

The BRO has conducted a whopping 110 inspections at this single construction site since January 2021. Out of these, seven resulted in fines, totaling over €10,000. The most common offenses? Exceeding working hours and failing to comply with noise level regulations. The site, a residential development by local builder David Xuereb, has become a symbol of the construction woes plaguing Naxxar.

Residents: “It’s Like Living Next to an Airport”

Meet Maria and her husband, long-time residents of Triq il-Kuncizzjoni. “It’s like living next to an airport,” she sighs, “The noise starts at 7 am and goes on till 6 pm. We’ve had to close our windows, even in summer, just to block out the sound.” They’re not alone. Neighbors have formed a Facebook group, ‘Naxxar Construction Noise’, to share their frustrations and coordinate complaints.

Builder’s Response: “We’re Doing Our Best”

David Xuereb, the builder, maintains that they’re doing their best to comply with regulations. “We’ve installed noise barriers and we’re strict about working hours,” he claims. However, residents argue that the noise barriers are ineffective and that work often goes on beyond the permitted hours.

The BRO, for its part, assures that it’s doing all it can to enforce regulations. “We’re aware of the situation in Naxxar,” a spokesperson says, “We’re conducting regular inspections and taking action when necessary.”

What’s Next for Naxxar’s Noisy Neighbors?

Residents are hoping for stricter enforcement and better communication from the BRO. They’re also considering legal action. “We’ve had enough,” says Maria, “We just want some peace and quiet in our own home.”

As for the builder, Xuereb promises to continue working with the BRO to ensure compliance. “We want to finish this project as soon as possible, with the least disruption to the neighbors,” he says.

if Naxxar’s construction nightmare will finally come to an end. But one thing’s for sure: the residents of Triq il-Kuncizzjoni deserve some quiet time in their own backyard.