BCA Steps In as Birkirkara Residents Voice Concerns Over Early Morning Works at Collapse Site

It’s 6:30 AM, and the usually quiet streets of Birkirkara are echoing with the hum of machinery. Residents, rubbing sleep from their eyes, peer out their windows to see a flurry of activity at the site of the recent building collapse on Triq San Pawl. The early morning works, they soon realise, are not a one-off but a daily occurrence, leaving them with little respite from the noise and dust.

Residents’ Grievances Mount

Frustrated residents have taken to social media and local WhatsApp groups to vent their frustration. “It’s like they’re trying to wake up the whole neighbourhood,” complains Maria, a long-time resident who asked to be identified only by her first name. “We’re already dealing with the stress of this collapse, and now we’re not even getting a good night’s sleep.”

Many residents have raised concerns about the impact on their health, with dust from the site exacerbating respiratory issues. Others worry about the safety of their children, with the increased traffic and machinery posing potential hazards.

BCA Intervenes

Hot on the heels of these complaints, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has stepped in, ordering the contractors to cease work before 7 AM. “We understand the urgency of the situation, but we also have to consider the well-being of the residents,” says BCA spokesperson, Joseph Attard. “We’ve issued a directive to the contractors to ensure that work does not commence before 7 AM, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”

The BCA has also assured residents that they are looking into ways to mitigate the dust issue, including the use of water sprinklers and regular cleaning of the site. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that the works are carried out as safely and quietly as possible,” Attard adds.

Contractors Respond

Reached for comment, the contractors, MGS Construction, expressed their understanding of the residents’ concerns. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused,” says spokesperson, Michael Galea. “We’re doing our best to complete the works as quickly as possible, but we also respect the residents’ right to a good night’s sleep. We’re fully cooperating with the BCA’s directives.”

MGS Construction has also assured residents that they are taking all necessary safety precautions, including regular safety audits and clear signage around the site.

While the early morning works continue, residents report a noticeable difference since the BCA’s intervention. “It’s not perfect, but at least we’re getting a bit more sleep now,” says Maria, with a sigh of relief.