‘I live in fear’: St Julian’s residents in distress as Cresta Quay excavation sparks concerns

It’s 7 am, and the usually bustling street of Triq it-Torri in St Julian’s is eerily quiet. The reason? A deep, gaping hole where the once peaceful Cresta Quay used to be. Residents are up in arms, their morning routines disrupted by the constant hum of heavy machinery and the looming fear of what’s to come.

From Quaint Quay to Construction Zone

Cresta Quay, a picturesque spot nestled between Spinola Bay and St George’s Bay, has been a beloved local landmark for decades. It was a place where families would enjoy a leisurely stroll, where fishermen would mend their nets, and where the local café would serve the best cappuccino in town. But all that changed when construction giant, DB Group, started excavation works for their ambitious ‘Cresta Quay Project’ in late 2020.

The project, a €100 million mixed-use development, promises to transform the area into a ‘vibrant urban hub’. But for many residents, the transformation has been anything but vibrant. “I live in fear,” says Maria, a long-time resident who asked to be identified only by her first name. “I’m scared that my house will collapse, that my family will be hurt. It’s not the future we were promised.”

Concerns Mount as Excavation Continues

The excavation, initially estimated to take six months, has been ongoing for over a year now. Residents have reported cracks appearing in their walls, tiles falling off, and even water leaks. They fear that the deep excavation is causing structural damage to their homes.

Dr. Joseph Mizzi, a local geologist, echoes these concerns. “Excavation at this scale can indeed cause ground instability and lead to structural damage. It’s crucial that the developers and the authorities ensure proper mitigation measures are in place.”

But mitigation measures seem to be lacking. Residents have complained about the lack of dust control measures, the constant noise pollution, and the traffic congestion caused by the heavy machinery. “It’s like living in a war zone,” says another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. “The noise, the dust, the traffic… it’s too much.”

DB Group: ‘Safety is Our Priority’

DB Group, however, maintains that safety is their top priority. “We are following all necessary protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of both our workers and the residents,” says a spokesperson for the company. “We understand that there may be some inconvenience caused during this phase, but we assure you that the end result will be worth it.”

The spokesperson also addressed the concerns about the delay in the excavation works. “The project has encountered some unforeseen challenges, but we are working diligently to overcome them. We expect the excavation works to be completed by the end of this year.”

Call for Action

Meanwhile, residents are not taking any chances. They have formed a committee, ‘Save Cresta Quay’, to raise awareness about their plight and to push for stricter regulations on construction works. They have also started a petition, which has already gathered over a thousand signatures.

“We are not against development,” says Maria, the spokesperson for the committee. “But we want development that is responsible, that respects our homes, our community, and our quality of life. We will not stop fighting until our voices are heard.”

As the excavation continues, the future of Cresta Quay hangs in the balance. Will it rise from the rubble as a shining example of urban regeneration, or will it remain a symbol of the destruction caused by unchecked development? . But one thing is certain – the residents of St Julian’s will not go down without a fight.