‘I feel like I bought my first home in a sinkhole’

Imagine buying your dream home in Birkirkara, only to wake up every morning to find it sinking into the ground. This isn’t a scene from a horror movie, but a reality for many homeowners in Malta. The phrase “I feel like I bought my first home in a sinkhole” has become an all too familiar sentiment among local residents.

Malta’s urban areas, particularly Birkirkara, Msida, and Paola, are facing a silent but devastating issue – subsidence. This isn’t a new problem; it’s been ongoing for decades, but it’s reaching critical levels. The root causes are complex and complex, but they can be boiled down to two main factors: poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure.

Post-WWII urban development in Malta was rapid and often haphazard. Buildings were constructed on soft, clay-rich soil without proper foundations. Over time, these soils compact and settle, leading to subsidence. Malta’s water table is high, and excessive groundwater extraction for construction and agriculture has exacerbated the problem.

Meet Mario, a young professional who bought his first home in Birkirkara last year. “I noticed cracks in the walls within the first few months,” he says, “But I thought it was normal for an old building. Then the floors started sloping, and I realized something was seriously wrong.” Mario’s home has sunk by over 10 centimeters in just two years.

Maria, a retired teacher living in Msida, has seen her home sink by nearly 20 centimeters over the past decade. “I’ve had to replace windows and doors multiple times because they no longer fit the frames,” she says, “It’s not just the cost, it’s the constant worry. I feel like I’m living in a sinking ship.”

The government has acknowledged the problem and is working on solutions. The Infrastructure Malta project aims to improve Malta’s infrastructure, including measures to mitigate subsidence. However, these projects are long-term and won’t provide immediate relief for affected homeowners.

In the meantime, what can you do? If you suspect your home is sinking, don’t ignore the signs. Get a professional assessment. If you’re buying a property, consider getting a geotechnical survey to check the soil conditions. And most importantly, raise awareness. Share your stories, write to your local MP, and demand action.

“We can’t stop the ground from moving, but we can demand better planning and stronger buildings,” says Mario, “We deserve to live in homes that don’t sink.”

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