All families except for one who were evacuated from their Naxxar residence on Thursday have been allowed to return home, the Building and Construction Authority said Friday evening.
Earlier today, a detailed inspection was carried out on the site in question, the BCA said. Officials from the BCA, together with representatives of the OHSA, periti from the concerned authorities, an independent perit, as well as the developer’s periti, accessed the site where various technical investigations on the building were conducted.
Following the findings provided by Dr Adrian Mifsud, Geotechnical Engineer engaged as an independent expert by the Authority, the BCA confirmed that the buildings situated outside the construction site are safe.
An inspection was also carried out on the site where construction work is taking place, together with Professor Alex Torpiano, an expert engaged by the developer. Consequently, the families who had been evacuated as a precautionary measure may return to their homes, the BCA said.
“Nevertheless, the Authority, in consultation with the experts, considers that it is still premature for the sole apartment located on the site in question, which was being used as a residence, to be reoccupied at this stage,” it added.
On Thursday evening, a total of 13 families were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The BCA, together with other authorities, said it remains committed to safeguarding the rights and safety of all parties, and is adopting a proactive approach. The evacuation carried out on Thursday was a proactive precautionary measure to ensure the safety of third parties pending a comprehensive assessment of the site and the buildings in the vicinity.
On the site in question in Naxxar, the BCA said it has carried out a total of 110 inspections, issued 71 written instructions regarding construction works, and also issued 7 fines and contraventions. This on the basis of reports received regarding the site and also on the basis of inspections and investigations carried out by the Authority itself.
The site remains under investigation, while the authorities are maintaining continuous contact with the families concerned and all parties involved, the BCA said.
