The government said Saturday it will implement a recommendation made by the Court of Magistrates to establish a central entity to receive reports about government buildings, private properties, walls, cliffs, or abandoned structures that pose a danger to the public. This will ensure quicker action and make it easier for the public to submit urgent reports about buildings at imminent risk of collapse, the government said.

This measure comes in addition to existing systems and the substantial reforms introduced during this legislature to enhance safeguards in the context of construction-related properties.

The government received this recommendation through inquiry file 522/2025 following the incident in the Munxar area of Marsascala, which tragically claimed the life of Mirabelle Falzon on 19 July 2024.

The government once again extends its condolences to the Falzon family for their tragic loss.

Regarding the accident itself, the government noted that independent experts appointed by the inquiry stated that the coastal area in question-composed of fragmented and naturally unstable rock-has long suffered from rapid natural erosion. This erosion was confirmed through various technical photographs known as "orthophotos" presented in the inquiry, which showed that the coastline's natural erosion process has accelerated in recent years, significantly impacting parts of the Riħama Battery structure.

The government also notes the findings of the independent geological report commissioned by the Court, which stated:

"Coastal retreat is primarily driven by natural processes such as wave action, tidal currents, and storm surges, which gradually wear away coastal landforms. Over time, the persistent force of waves and currents removes sediments from the shoreline, leading to its gradual inland migration. In the case of Riħama Battery, the report identifies several factors contributing to the retreat of the coastline. The frequency and intensity of storm events have also led to extreme wave action that rapidly erodes the coastline."

The experts further stated:

"The tragic incident in Marsascala, which led to the death of Mirabelle Falzon, underscores the geotechnical challenges faced along the Maltese coastline. The area where the incident occurred is primarily composed of a thick layer of Quaternary deposits overlaying the Globigerina Limestone. These sedimentary rocks are known for their susceptibility to weathering and erosion. Over time, the softer nature of Globigerina Limestone and the Quaternary deposits, combined with factors like water infiltration and salt crystallisation, can weaken rock structures, leading to instability."

They concluded:

"In this case, a portion of the cliff face detached and fell, resulting in a fatality. Analysis showed that the cliff is in continued and inevitable retreat. It is unsurprising that the cliff face in question has been experiencing continuous degradation, as indicated by the receding shoreline and the scattered collapse of the battery's outer enceinte."

Earlier this year, fencing was installed in two areas to prevent pedestrian access to the site where this tragedy occurred, and warning signs were also placed to deter swimming in the area.