President of the Chamber of Geologists Peter Gatt has blamed regulatory failures over the collapse of part of Triq is-Simar in Xemxija, warning that inadequate construction oversight is putting lives at risk.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Facebook after the incident, Gatt described the collapse as a "direct consequence" of the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) "continued negligence and irresponsibility."
He said that Malta's legal framework for ground investigations is "fundamentally flawed" and out of step with European standards, particularly because it does not require the involvement of professional geologists in excavation assessments.
Gatt said the BCA's current requirements - limited to a small number of core samples-fail to capture the geological complexity of Maltese terrain.
He criticised what he described as a reliance on "bureaucratic shortcuts" over scientific expertise, warning that this approach effectively turns excavation into "a game of Russian roulette."
Gatt also pointed to the inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, noting that its recommendation for mandatory geologists' reports prior to excavation continues to be ignored.
He warned that without reform, "the safety of our infrastructure and residents remains a matter of luck," adding that the public could ultimately "pay with their lives."
Gatt's comments follow Thursday's collapse of part of Triq is-Simar, which prompted an investigation by the BCA.
The authority said it received a report through Helpline 138 that a section of the road had given way and immediately ordered its complete closure as a precaution. A temporary structure has since been installed while investigations continue.
Construction works in the surrounding area have been halted, although the cause of the collapse has not yet been officially determined.
The incident occurred weeks after a wall collapse at the same site had already triggered a stop-works order and an earlier investigation by authorities. No injuries have been reported.
The site beneath the road is being developed by Portelli Projects. A spokesperson for developer Joseph Portelli, a shareholder in the company responsible for the project, said works had resumed on 17 March after clearance from the BCA, days after a stop-works notice was issued on 12 March.
A new stop-works notice has since been issued and is being observed, with no works to proceed until further clearance is granted.
Opposition MP Ivan Castillo, who first raised the alarm, described the situation as "serious and unacceptable," warning that residents are facing real danger. In a Facebook post, he said people should feel safest in their homes, yet that sense of security has now been undermined.
Castillo said the BCA, police and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority had been informed, but stressed the need for more urgent and coordinated action. He pointed to visible structural damage and growing safety concerns, questioning what residents are expected to do if forced to leave their homes.
"People are living in real danger," he said, calling for immediate measures to safeguard residents, provide clear guidance and ensure that concrete action is taken without delay.
He added that he would continue pressing authorities until the matter is properly addressed, insisting that public safety must remain the top priority.