The government said today it is very concerned with the latest incident with the collapse of a building next to a construction site in Mellieħa. 

While monitoring the situation closely and investigating this case, government calls on the industry and professionals involved to carry all their responsibilities at law. A magisterial inquiry and police investigations are ongoing, the statement said.

The government said it has already intervened by offering assistance to the victims. It will continue to follow up and assist those involved in every possible way. 

The government added it is in the process of setting up a new Malta Construction and Building authority with the main objectives of consolidating whilst updating the legislation related to the building and construction industry.

The existing responsibilities at law are clear. The new legislation will streamline such responsibilities under one single code so that the remit of all the stakeholders involved in any construction or building project including architects, engineers, contractors, project managers and project owners, amongst others, reflects new developments in this industry. The updated legislation will also seek to review and define with clarity the third-party rights, including those of neighbours, within this aspect.  

The government said it is sensitive to these matters and will strive to ensure that the rigorous process which is currently ongoing for the setting up of the new code will address all inconsistencies and include new provisions, where needed, in the best interest of the people.