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Matthew Vella
Architect Philip Azzopardi, sued by the relatives of 84-year-old Rita Vella who was buried alive at home when a neighbouring house under Azzopardi’s supervision collapsed, has been appointed chairman of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s development control commission.
His appointment comes just six months after he was first appointed a member in the DCC, the decision-making body on development applications in white areas and major projects.
Philip Azzopardi and contractors Raymond Micallef and Raymond Calleja were sued by the relatives of Rita Vella who was buried under the rubble of her own home on April 12, 2000, dying some hours later. The house and most of its contents had been totally destroyed.
The Vellas claim Azzopardi and the contractors were liable towards them in damages because the collapse of the house and the death of Rita Vella had occurred as a result of negligence on their part.
They also added that the accident had occurred because no suitable safety measures had been adopted, allowing the situation to deteriorate seriously.
The Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment told MaltaToday it preferred not to comment on Azzopardi’s elevation to DCC chairman since the case is still being heard. Back in June the ministry said there was “absolutely no connection” between the case and Azzopardi’s ability to serve on the DCC board.
Azzopardi replaces Catherine Galea, who has been appointed MEPA deputy chairman instead of Victor Torpiano, who has served the full time allowed by law for any member of the authority.
Architect Christopher Spiteri was appointed DCC member.
mvella@mediatoday.com.mt
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