The Campaign for Social Housing Justice yesterday held a short ceremony at the Addolorata Cemetery with family members of Riccardo Cesare, who died tragically five years ago when the house he was renting in Floriana collapsed.

The ceremony was attended by the family of Cesare, a mixed component from the Floriana local council, Fr Colin Apap and Stefan Buontempo, as chairman of the campaign.

Five years ago tomorrow, Riccardo Cesare died tragically when the house he rented in Floriana collapsed on top of him.

Sandro Mangion, also from the campaign, said a media call was issued to continue to raise awareness about the problems of sub-standard housing in Malta.

Dr Buontempo said: “Riccardo Cesare was a perfect example of the people in Malta who live in sub-standard accommodation. There are thousands of such people who we do not hear anything about until a tragedy such as the one that happened five years ago takes place.

“Awareness of the problem has grown and various initiatives have been put into place to alleviate some of the problems. But it is high time we introduce a measure such as those in force in many EU countries - the home condition report, which is very similar to a VRT but for property,” he said.

Dr Buontempo said such a measure would surely be a start to finding a solution to the problem. Floriana mayor Publius Agius said that since Mr Cesare’s death, things had improved. “In Floriana flats have been built and there is a drive to get people back into the city, but they are immediately put off by the prices of property,” he said.

Mr Agius also said that the government should show foresight in such issues and not wait until tragic events happen.

Mr Agius said the council was trying to put pressure on government to arrange a number of sub standard houses that have been brought to their attention. “You would not believe some of the cases we come across. One woman’s toilet is in her bedroom. It is like scenes from Charles Dickens. People should not have to live like this in today’s modern day and age,” he said.

Fr Colin Apap, who said prayers, later said: “Mr Cesare was an example of an invisible citizen and there are more who are like him. His family are still trying to get hold of Mr Cesare’s belongings and to establish who was to blame for their father’s death. But as is normal in this country, they have been stonewalled with silence.”