Momentum wants 'full independent' investigation of Naxxar construction site incident

 Momentum called for a comprehensive reform of Malta’s “planning and construction enforcement regime,” highlighting their belief that the country is in need of a new planning philosophy based on safety and respect for communities rather than the relentless pursuit of overdevelopment at any cost.

In a statement issued on Friday, Momentum expressed its deep concern following reports of structural instability at a development site in Naxxar where foundations of a building still under construction failed, leading to the evacuation of several families living nearby.

Residents living close to the site, which was previously a quarry, reported the partial collapse of a narrow supporting wall. Fearing the possible full collapse of the structure, the Building and Construction Authority issued an immediate stop order on all works.

The party demanded a full independent investigation into the incident, along with the immediate publication of all inspection reports, risk assessments, and enforcement actions related to the site.

Momentum stressed that regulatory authorities must act decisively before incidents happen, not merely intervening after residents raise alarm. It called for mandatory geological and structural assessments for large-scale excavation projects conducted before permits are issued.

Additionally, Momentum called for stronger accountability mechanisms for developments, tractors, architects, and authorities which are supposed to be responsible for oversight. 

Momentum described the incident as yet another alarming reminder that Malta’s construction sector continues to operate within a culture where excessive development, weak enforcement, and inadequate safeguards place residents, workers, and communities at risk.

“Incidents of this nature are no longer isolated exceptions but part of a broader pattern linked to an overdevelopment model that has repeatedly failed residents of Malta and Gozo,” Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said. “The country cannot continue normalising emergency evacuations, collapsing structures, and dangerous excavation practices as the acceptable price of economic activity.”

The party asserted that public safety must always take precedence over speculative development and unchecked construction plans, insisting that no resident should have to live in fear that excavation works next door could put their lives at risk.

Momentum said that they stand in solidarity with the affected residents and called on the government to treat this incident as a wake-up call for the long-overdue reform of the construction sector.