The Building and Construction Authority has imposed fines over irregularities at a construction site in Mellieħa and ordered material to be removed, openings to be closed and the necessary cleaning to be carried out, while the Occupational Health and Safety Authority said the site is compliant with health and safety requirements.

The two authorities issued separate statements in connection with a video circulating in the media and on social media concerning the development of airspace above an existing block in Mellieħa.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said it had carried out inspections at the site in recent months, during which clear instructions were given to the developer regarding material which had to be removed from the common area.

Immediately following a complaint by affected third parties in recent days, BCA officials returned to the site, where they noted that not only had material once again been left in the common area, but there had also been a lack of compliance by the developer regarding protection from water at the openings.

The BCA said it once again immediately imposed fines in connection with these irregularities and ordered that, by Sunday, the material in the common area be removed, all openings be closed and the necessary cleaning be carried out.

The BCA also reminded the public of the importance of Helpline 138 for all matters related to health and safety and construction.

In a separate statement, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) said it had carried out inspections at the site in recent weeks, during which clear instructions were given to the developer regarding actions which had to be taken to safeguard the health and safety of workers and third parties.

Another inspection was carried out in recent hours, during which it was confirmed that the necessary actions related to health and safety had been taken and that the site is therefore compliant with health and safety requirements for workers and third parties.

The OHSA said it was also informed that the BCA had taken the necessary action for other construction-related works to be carried out, including the cleaning of material and the necessary protection from water.