St Julian’s Residents Fear Earthquakes Due to Cresta Quay Excavation

St Julian’s, a bustling town known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning sea views, is now grappling with an unexpected issue. Residents are living in fear, not of the usual late-night revelry, but of the earth trembling beneath their feet. The cause? An ongoing excavation at Cresta Quay, a once-quiet corner of the town that’s now a hive of heavy machinery and anxious residents.

Cresta Quay, a narrow street sandwiched between the busy Spinola Road and the tranquil Spinola Bay, is no stranger to change. But the current scene is unlike anything the area has seen before. Towering cranes, dump trucks, and excavators have taken over, as work progresses on a new luxury apartment complex. Yet, it’s not the scale of the development that has residents on edge, but the impact it’s having on their homes and their sense of security.

Since excavation began earlier this year, residents have reported feeling their homes shake, hearing loud bangs, and seeing cracks appear in their walls. Some have even reported items falling off their shelves. “It’s like living in a war zone,” says Maria, a long-time resident who asked to be identified only by her first name. “I wake up in the middle of the night feeling my bed shake. It’s terrifying.”

The excavation site is just metres away from several residential buildings, including Maria’s. The proximity, combined with the scale of the excavation, has raised concerns about the potential for landslides and structural damage. These fears are not unfounded. In 2019, a landslide in the nearby town of Rabat caused significant damage to several properties and injured two people.

Residents have been vocal about their concerns, with many taking to social media to share their experiences and call for action. They’ve also written letters to the local council and the developers, but say they’ve seen little progress. “We’ve been ignored,” says another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. “We’re just hoping something is done before it’s too late.”

Hot Malta reached out to the developers, Tumas Group, for comment. They responded, “We take the safety of our neighbours seriously and are working closely with our geotechnical engineers to ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the highest safety standards.” The local council also responded, stating that they are monitoring the situation and are in communication with the developers.

In the meantime, residents are left to grapple with their fears. Some have moved out temporarily, while others are considering legal action. Maria, however, is determined to stay put. “This is my home,” she says. “But I just want to feel safe in it again.”

As the excavation continues, the future remains uncertain for the residents of Cresta Quay. One thing is clear, though: the ground beneath their feet is no longer the stable foundation they once knew.