Building Collapse in Sliema, Malta Prompts Safety Measures by BCA

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Malta is implementing decisive measures following the tragic collapse of a building in Sliema on April 22, 2024. The incident claimed the life of Bari Balla, a 51-year-old Albanian worker, and seriously injured another worker who was taken to Mater Dei hospital.

According to the BCA, there were no approved or pending applications for any works on the property, indicating that the construction activities were being carried out without the necessary permits. The authority had not received any reports about the site prior to the collapse.

In response to the incident, the BCA has requested access to the collapsed building to evaluate the potential hazard it poses to neighboring structures. Initial investigations suggest that the premises are in a hazardous condition, putting nearby buildings and individuals at risk.

Why this matters: The building collapse in Sliema highlights the importance of proper safety measures and adherence to construction regulations. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences when unauthorized work is carried out without the necessary permits and oversight.

To address the situation, the BCA will be appointing a group of specialists, including an architect, contractor, site technical officer, licensed builder, and health and safety officer. This team will carry out the necessary investigations and remedial actions under the supervision of a technical expert appointed by the court.

The magisterial inquiry into the incident is ongoing, and as a result, the BCA has stated that it will refrain from providing further comments on the matter at this time.

Jesmond Muscat, the CEO of the BCA, tendered his resignation on Tuesday following the accident. His decision came a day after Prime Minister Robert Abela demanded firm action by regulatory authorities in response to the tragedy.

The building, a 1920s townhouse on St Ignatius Street, was owned by Oratorian Capital and was undergoing renovation works, including the addition of a receded floor. The project had received a non-executable permit from the Planning Commission, and the architect, Darryl Cutajar, had applied on behalf of the developers to expand the existing dwelling.

"The BCA had no approved or pending applications for the works, indicating that they were being carried out without the required permits," the authority stated.

Balla's relatives have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the repatriation of his body to Albania. The father of six lived in Zebbug, Malta prior to the tragic incident.

The BCA's swift response and commitment to conducting a thorough assessment demonstrate the seriousness with which the authority is addressing the building collapse. By engaging a team of experts and working closely with the court-appointed technical expert, the BCA aims to identify the causes of the incident and take necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Building collapsed in Sliema, Malta, killing 1 worker, injuring another.
• Construction activities were unauthorized, without necessary permits from BCA.
• BCA appointed experts to investigate hazards and take remedial actions.
• BCA CEO resigned after PM demanded firm action by regulatory authorities.
• Victim's family started GoFundMe campaign to repatriate his body to Albania.