It’s 7 AM, and the usually bustling St Julian’s promenade is eerily quiet. The reason? A massive excavation site at Cresta Quay, which has turned the lives of nearby residents upside down. “I live in fear,” says Maria, a 65-year-old resident of St Julian’s Hill, just meters away from the construction site. “I’m scared that one day, my home will just collapse into the hole they’re digging.”

The Cresta Quay Project: A Brief Overview

The Cresta Quay project, a €150 million development by Tumas Group, promises to transform St Julian’s into a “modern, sustainable city.” The first phase involves digging a massive basement for a future mixed-use development, including residential units, retail spaces, and a five-star hotel. But for residents like Maria, the project has brought nothing but noise, dust, and uncertainty.

“It’s Like Living in a Construction Site 24/7”

Residents complain of constant noise, with heavy machinery operating from early morning until late at night. “It’s like living in a construction site 24/7,” says John, a 45-year-old professional living in a nearby apartment. “I can’t work from home because it’s impossible to concentrate. I’ve had to take leave from work just to escape the noise.”

Dust is another major concern. Despite the developers’ assurances, residents say the dust is everywhere, clogging their homes, and even affecting their health. “I’ve started having breathing problems,” says Maria. “My doctor says it’s probably due to the dust from the construction site.”

“Our Lives Are on Hold”

But perhaps the most worrying aspect for residents is the structural integrity of their homes. Many homes in the area are old, and residents fear that the excavation could weaken their foundations. “We don’t know what’s happening underground,” says John. “Our lives are on hold. We can’t sell our homes, we can’t renovate, we can’t even enjoy our terraces because of the noise and dust.”

The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has dismissed these concerns, stating that the project is being carried out according to all necessary permits and regulations. However, residents say they’ve been left in the dark about the project’s details and its potential impact on their lives.

Meanwhile, the excavation continues. Residents watch and wait, hoping that their concerns will be addressed before it’s too late. “I just want to live in peace,” says Maria. “Is that too much to ask?”