Over the past few hours the third set of test results from the concrete columns in Mater Dei show that in some columns in the emergency ward, the concrete used was of inferior quality.

The security of patients and workers is of top priority and as such, temporary mitigation measures will take place, the government said. As part of the works, temporary structures to strengthen the overall structure will be placed.

An Inquiry Board will be set up this week with the aim of establishing facts as well as a timeline of how this came about, government added.

The Board will examine criminal and civil liability as a result of this discovery. The board will also cooperate and share information with the police whilst also calling technical experts where needed.

The government said that this is part of the process to establish the facts regarding what happened during the construction of the emergency ward. The government will also ask for political responsibility as well as technical and commercial responsibility.

A detailed site survey of the emergency ward as well as an analysis of the whole hospital will occur and initial discussions to hire an external company specialised in this area have begun.

The government also said that other sites for the construction of other wards are being considered.

PN calls for parliamentary debate