A government-commissioned independent inquiry to examine weak concrete pillars at the Mater Dei Emergency Departments has confirmed the results of earlier tests carried out by a contractor, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said this evening.
Speaking during question time, Mr Fearne said the preliminary report has been completed and has confirmed the existence of weak concrete pillars. More pillars around the hospital are being tested.
Mr Fearne said a second inquiry aims to establish the responsibility and the facts behind the weak construction. “The second inquiry was extensive and much of the work has been done. Interviews have been carried out and witnesses spoken to. The Inquiry Board is going to prepare its report, which will be published.”
PN MP Censu Galea asked if “weak’ meant that the pillars themselves are very weak or if they cannot bear the weight of four or five storeys above them. Mr Fearne said the Mater Dei construction contract stipulated that the concrete used had to have a strength capacity of C30 but several of the pillars tested had a much lower strength capacity. “This does not mean that the building will collapse in the coming days but we still took the necessary measures to strengthen the structure. The advice we have been given is that the emergency building cannot support any more weight.”
Experts had also warned that, in the eventuality of an earthquake, the building could have become dangerous. “These problems have been addressed and there is no danger for staff or patients.”