St Julian’s Residents Fear Earthquakes Due to Cresta Quay Excavation
Earthquake Fears as St Julian’s Residents Voice Concerns Over Cresta Quay Excavation
It’s 7 a.m. and the usually bustling St Julian’s promenade is eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery. The once-pristine coastline is now a sprawling construction site, home to towering cranes and mounds of earth. Welcome to Cresta Quay, the latest development to grace Malta’s sought-after northern shores. But not everyone is welcoming the change.
Residents of the nearby apartments and villas have been living with the constant din of excavation for months now. But it’s not just the noise that’s got them riled up. They’re worried about something far more unsettling – the potential for earthquakes.
Ground Shaking Concerns
Dr. Joseph Galea Debono, a geologist at the University of Malta, has been fielding calls from concerned residents. “The excavation at Cresta Quay is happening on a site with a high concentration of clay,” he explains. “This can lead to liquefaction, a phenomenon where saturated soil loses strength and stiffness in response to sudden stress, like an earthquake.”
Residents like Maria, a retired nurse who lives in a third-floor apartment overlooking the site, are taking no chances. “I’ve started keeping a bag packed,” she says, her voice trembling. “I live in fear that one day, the ground will shake, and I’ll have to run out with nothing but the clothes on my back.”
Developer’s Response
The Cresta Quay project, a joint venture between local developer Tumas Group and Singapore-based Pontiac Land, is set to transform the area into a luxury waterfront destination. But the developers are quick to dismiss the residents’ concerns.
“We’ve conducted thorough geotechnical investigations and obtained all necessary permits,” says a spokesperson for the project. “The excavation is being carried out according to strict safety standards, and there’s no risk of earthquakes.”
However, when pressed about the clay-rich soil, the spokesperson admits, “Yes, there is clay, but it’s being managed appropriately. We’re taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our workers and the surrounding community.”
Regulatory Bodies Weigh In
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have both been inundated with complaints. While they confirm receiving the complaints, they decline to comment on specific cases, citing ongoing investigations.
“We’re looking into the matter,” says a spokesperson for MEPA. “We take all concerns seriously and will take appropriate action if necessary.”
Meanwhile, residents are left to grapple with their fears. “I just want to feel safe in my own home,” says Maria. “Is that too much to ask?”
