There are a number of questions in relation to the collapse of Tania Flats in Paceville that remain unanswered.  It is important to discuss this issue in public as it is the only way that we can communicate that the current situation vis-a-vis the construction sector in Malta is unacceptable.  This was stated by Sandra Gauci and Carmel Cacopardo, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of ADPD - The Green Party today when they addressed a press conference in Paceville.

Carmel Cacopardo said that despite the actions about the reforms currently being enacted to regulate the construction industry, we have had another building collapse, and this time in Paceville.  This building collapsed last week, and we are still being informed that there are more buildings which are being considered for evacuations.   It is good to see that no one has been hurt, but this is nothing short of a miracle!  Many are commenting on the situation and giving their opinion, pointing fingers are those whom they think are responsible for what has happened.

Cacopardo continued to say that whilst it is premature to come to a conclusion as yet given we do not have all the facts, it is still important to discuss what has happened.  It is most probably a plurality of factors rather than a single factor, and these may have not been given the necessary attention.  It is important to commence an investigation to establish exactly what has happened, as many are concerned about the fact that these serious incidents are occurring in spite of the regulations that have been introduced recently.

Cacopardo also said that the investigation will examine all factors that have led to the collapse of Tania Flats, ascertaining whether it was caused by the current building practices or structural defects in the building itself.  Irrespective of the outcome of the investigation, we need to focus on the need that the regulation of buildings should not be limited to their construction phase: it should be ensured that they are continuously safe to use.

It was for this very reason that around four years ago the Building and Construction Authority started work on the introduction of the building passport, a document which would contain all relevant information about the condition of a building.  This was an initiative with the aim of assuring that every single building was in a good state, safe and with no possibility of collapsing.

Unfortunately, said Cacopardo, although the authority had made progress on building passports, we were informed that this initiative was discontinued as a result of pressures to ease regulatory initiatives.  This is a grave mistake and this initiative should be re-instated so that we can be assured that the buildings that surround us are considered safe continuously, concluded Cacopardo.

Sandra Gauci said that the recent tragedy has frightened many people. To be forced to suddenly leave your home or workplace because there is danger of imminent collapse is a tragedy, especially in a country that frequently boasts of aiming to be the best.  Whilst we are in solidarity with all those who had to be evacuated from their homes and the businesses in the immediate area impacted, there is the need for accountability and responsibility.  We cannot carry on as if nothing has happened.  Too many tragedies have happened.  The public inquiry on the collapsed building in Kordin which caused the death of Jean Paul Sofia has revealed the numerous

failings in the construction industry and now there is the need for those responsible to act. We are at a point where everybody is fed up with the lack of professionalism around us: we need clear answers and accountability.

The government has been dragging its feet in connection with regulation and enforcement in the construction industry.  Whilst many government entities have been set up, enforcement is weak and human resources allocated to these entities are the bare minimum.  It is a half-hearted attempt to give the semblance of doing something, when in fact very little is being done.  Proof of this is that these incidents have not come to a halt.   There is the need for the regulation of the construction sector to be taken seriously and without delay, concluded Sandra Gauci.