Naxxar Residents Return Home After Collapse Scare
Naxxar Residents Breathe Sigh of Relief as Evacuation Order Lifted
NAXXAR, Malta – The sound of hammers and drills echoed through the usually quiet streets of Naxxar yesterday, as residents eagerly awaited the all-clear to return to their homes. The small town, located in the heart of Malta’s northern region, had been on edge since a partial collapse of a century-old building through the community, leading to the evacuation of over 100 residents.
Collapse Scare: A Night Under the Stars for Naxxar Residents
On Tuesday evening, the unmistakable groan of crumbling masonry sent panic rippling through Triq San Pawl, one of Naxxar’s main streets. The facade of a 1920s building had begun to crumble, prompting swift action from the Civil Protection Department. Within hours, residents of 40 homes were evacuated, spending an unexpected night under the stars in temporary accommodation provided by the local council.
Structural Assessment: Green Light for Residents to Return Home
In the days following the collapse, engineers worked tirelessly to assess the structural integrity of the affected building and surrounding properties. Their findings, announced late yesterday afternoon, brought relief to the anxious residents. The building, although damaged, posed no immediate threat to its neighbours, allowing residents to return home.
“We’re just glad to be back,” said Mario Xuereb, a Naxxar resident of 20 years. “It’s been a stressful few days, but we’re grateful for the swift action taken by the authorities and the support of our community.”
Long-Term Solutions: Naxxar’s Aging Building Stock
The partial collapse has raised concerns about the state of Naxxar’s aging building stock. Many of the town’s properties date back to the early 20th century and require significant investment to ensure their structural integrity. Local councillors have pledged to prioritise this issue, with plans to apply for EU funding to regenerate the town’s historic centre.
“This incident serves as a wake-up call,” said Naxxar Mayor Doris Abela. “We must act now to safeguard the future of our town and its residents.”
As residents settle back into their routines, the sound of hammers and drills continues, this time in a bid to restore the damaged building to its former glory. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by Malta’s aging infrastructure, but also of the resilience and community spirit that lies at the heart of Naxxar.
