Naxxar Residents Return Home After Wall Collapse
Naxxar Residents Breathe Sigh of Relief as Homes Reopened
NAXXAR, Malta – The eerie silence that had enveloped Triq il-Kbira in Naxxar was finally broken today, as residents began to trickle back into their homes after a week-long evacuation. The sudden collapse of a retaining wall last Tuesday had through the usually peaceful village, leaving families displaced and businesses temporarily closed.
Wall Collapse: The Initial Shock
It was around 3 pm on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday when the retaining wall along Triq il-Kbira suddenly gave way, sending a cascade of debris onto the road below. Cars were damaged, and nearby homes shook as the wall crumbled. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. “I was in my garden when I heard this loud rumble,” recalled Joe Borg, a long-time Naxxar resident. “I looked up and saw the wall coming down. It was terrifying.”
In the aftermath, around 30 families were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The local council swiftly swung into action, setting up temporary accommodation for those displaced and ensuring that essential services were maintained. “We’re grateful for the council’s quick response,” said Maria Camilleri, another Naxxar resident. “It’s been tough being away from home, but we’re relieved to know that our community is looking out for us.”
Repairs Begin as Residents Return
Engineers have been working tirelessly to assess the damage and stabilize the site. The retaining wall will need to be completely rebuilt, but for now, residents are just happy to be back in their homes. “It’s a relief to be back,” said Borg, as he surveyed the damage to his garden. “We’re lucky that the damage to our homes was minimal. Now we can start to rebuild and move forward.”
Businesses along Triq il-Kbira are also starting to reopen, much to the relief of owners who had been forced to temporarily close. “We’ve lost a week’s worth of business, but we’re just glad to be back open,” said Anthony Camilleri, owner of Camilleri’s Bakery. “The community has really rallied around us, and we’re grateful for that.”
While the cause of the collapse is still under investigation, local authorities have assured residents that safety is their top priority. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” said Naxxar Mayor Doris Abela. “Our community has been through a lot this past week, but I’ve been heartened by the resilience and unity shown by our residents.”
As residents begin to settle back into their routines, there’s a sense of relief and gratitude in the air. “We’ve been through a lot, but we’re Naxxar strong,” said Maria Camilleri, with a smile. “We’ll rebuild, and we’ll come back even stronger.”
