The Planning Authority today ordered all the works to be suspended at a site abutting the Citadel Ditch in Rabat, Gozo where a retaining wall collapsed earlier this morning. 

The collapsed wall has left a breach in the outer wall of the Scheduled Grade 1 Citadel Ditch. The authority has appointed Perit Herman Bonnici to supervise any works that are necessary to ensure that the site is restored to its original state. 

The authority said it will also be pursuing with a letter to prosecute for damage incurred to this World Heritage site.

The ongoing works at the site where the wall collapsed are covered by planning permission PA4553/17. 

The site, which lies within a historical area of archaeological importance of Rabat and Citadel, is in close proximity to Class B scheduled archaeological remains and has a historical and architectural value.

A magisterial inquiry is also ongoing.

In a joint statement, the Gozo and Culture ministries said that the area where the accident took place has been cordoned off.

Steps will be taken against the people responsible for such damage.

Photos below, taken by Daniel Cilia, show the area where the development was taking place.