Naxxar Council Denies Green Light to Early Morning Works at Collapse Site

In the quiet, pre-dawn hours of a typical Maltese morning, the sound of heavy machinery humming to life at the site of the recent building collapse in Naxxar has become an unwelcome symphony for nearby residents. But according to the local council, this early morning work is happening without their blessing.

Early Morning Noise: A Naxxar Resident’s Plight

Meet Maria, a long-time Naxxar resident who lives just a stone’s throw away from the site. She’s been waking up to the noise pollution every morning at 5 am, her sleep disrupted by the clanking of cranes and the rumble of heavy vehicles. “It’s been a nightmare,” she sighs, “I’ve got to be at work by 8, and I’m barely getting any sleep.”

Maria isn’t alone. Several other residents have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many expressing concern about the impact on their health and wellbeing.

Council: No Agreement on Early Morning Works

When contacted by Hot Malta, the Naxxar Local Council was quick to distance itself from the early morning works. “We have not agreed to any works starting at 5 am,” said Council President, Doris Vella. “We’re as frustrated as the residents. We’ve been in touch with the developers, and we’re working to find a solution that respects everyone’s rights.”

The developers, on the other hand, maintain that they have the necessary permits for the works. “We’re doing our best to complete the site clearance as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson said. “We understand the residents’ concerns, and we’re looking into ways to mitigate the noise.”

Permits and Regulations: What’s the Law?

So, who’s right? According to Malta’s Environmental Protection Act, construction works are generally not allowed between 10 pm and 6 am, except in certain circumstances and with specific permits. The developers insist they have these permits, but the council maintains that these permits do not cover works starting at 5 am.

Dr. Joseph Galea, a local environmental lawyer, explains, “The law is quite clear on this. The developer would need a specific permit for works to start before 6 am. If the council is saying they haven’t agreed to this, then the developer would need to provide evidence of such a permit.”

As the situation stands, it’s a case of he-said, she-said, with both sides digging in their heels. But with the health and wellbeing of Naxxar residents at stake, it’s a situation that needs to be resolved quickly.

Hot Malta will continue to monitor this story as it unfolds. If you’re a Naxxar resident affected by the early morning noise, we want to hear from you. Drop us a line in the comments or on our social media channels.