‘I live in fear’: Residents’ plea as St Julian’s Cresta Quay excavation rattles homes

In the heart of Malta’s bustling St Julian’s, the once-tranquil Cresta Quay is now a hive of activity, but not the kind its residents signed up for. As excavation works for a new luxury development rumble on, residents are living in fear, their homes shaking and their nerves fraying. Hot Malta delves into the concerns of those affected and explores what’s being done to address their plight.

Earthquakes in the making?

Residents in the vicinity of Cresta Quay, a quiet street off St George’s Road, have been grappling with an uninvited guest: tremors. Since excavation works for the ‘Cresta Quay Residences’ project began last year, residents have reported their homes shaking, walls cracking, and furniture shifting. “It’s like living in an earthquake zone,” laments Maria, a long-time resident who wished to remain anonymous.

Dr. Joseph Magro, a geologist at the University of Malta, confirms that while Malta isn’t prone to earthquakes, excavation works can induce ground vibrations. “The issue here is the scale and proximity of the excavation. It’s not just about the digging; it’s also about the machinery used and the vibrations they generate,” he explains.

Developer: ‘Safety is our priority’

The Cresta Quay Residences project, a joint venture between local developers Tumas Group and Frank Salt Real Estate, is set to transform the area with a mix of luxury apartments and retail spaces. In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for the developers assures, “Safety is our top priority. We’re working closely with our contractors to monitor and mitigate vibrations, ensuring they remain within acceptable limits.”

However, residents aren’t convinced. They point to the lack of clear communication from the developers and the absence of independent monitoring. “We’ve had to hire our own engineers to assess the damage,” says another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous.

Local council: ‘We’re doing our best’

The St Julian’s Local Council has been inundated with complaints. “We’re doing our best to mediate and ensure the developers adhere to regulations,” says the council’s CEO, Joseph Attard. “We’ve asked for vibration monitoring reports and have been in touch with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to ensure all environmental impact assessments are being followed.”

The ERA, responsible for environmental protection, confirms it’s monitoring the situation. “We’re aware of the residents’ concerns and are working with the local council and the developers to ensure all regulations are being met,” says an ERA spokesperson.

What’s next?

Residents are calling for immediate action. They want independent vibration monitoring, clear communication from the developers, and assurances that their homes won’t be compromised. “We just want to live in peace,” says Maria. “We didn’t ask for this, and we deserve better.”

As the excavation works continue, the future remains uncertain for Cresta Quay residents. But one thing is clear: their voices need to be heard, and their concerns need to be addressed. After all, it’s their home, their safety, and their quality of life at stake.