Updated | Contractor damages Gżira home's boundary wall during demolition works

Updated with BCA and resident's comments 

Residents in Gżira are worried after workers carrying out excavation works near the seafront damaged part of their boundary wall.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning in Triq Sir Frederick C. Ponsonby.

The works in question are related to a 2019 planning application by FES Projects Ltd. The application seeks to demolish homes to make way for a takeaway, the extension of existing tourist accommodation, including three floors, and a pool.

The works are being undertaken by RM Developers.

The site in question had prompted complaints from residents earlier this week as well, after an ambulance could not pass through the street due to a construction crane blocking the street.

A resident who spoke to MaltaToday said that the contractors were given special permission to continue with demolition and excavation works despite it being carried out in a tourist area in the summer. 

"My mother was looking out at her garden when she saw the wall cracking. She's terrified in her own home," he said.

Photos sent to this newspaper show a crack in the resident’s mother’s boundary wall. The works were halted for little less than an hour, but then continued.

In an email seen by MaltaToday, the resident had pleaded with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to intervene.

“In addition, there are concerns that the damage may have created pathways for water ingress, including possible seawater infiltration, with potentially serious consequences for the structural integrity of neighbouring properties,” the BCA was told.

The authority replied with an automated message saying that the complaint was forwarded to enforcement officers, and to send evidence to the BCA by email.

BCA statement

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said following a detailed assessment, it facilitated discussions between the developer, contractor, and the affected third parties, leading to an agreement.

“The developer has committed to undertaking all necessary works to repair the damage caused and restore the affected property,” it said.

The BCA will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that all remedial works are completed within an established timeframe and in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

“This case once again highlights the importance of ongoing education, training, and strict adherence to established procedures within the construction industry. The BCA emphasises that a well-informed and responsible approach by all parties is essential to prevent such incidents and ensure the protection of neighbouring properties and the general public,” it said.

The BCA also reminded the public any concerns related to construction sites can be reported through its helpline 138, enabling the authority to intervene promptly when necessary.

But when contacted by MaltaToday after the BCA's statement, he said neither he or his family had been contacted.