Inquiry on building collapse nears end

As the magisterial inquiry into the collapse of a St Paul's Bay building which killed two women last June nears its end, work on the foundations of a new building on the adjacent site has been resumed.

The collapse occurred as work was in progress to lay the foundations of the new building in the site next door. The foundations work was stopped after the collapse but has now resumed.

Half of the Ramon Perellos Street block made up of four flats and two underlying garages collapsed at about 3.15 p.m. on June 3, killing Mary Zarb, a 60-year-old retired teacher and former St Paul's Bay councillor, and her student, Nadya Vavilova, 24, a Russian interpreter.

That morning foundation works were taking place close to the wall of the collapsed building.

It is known that Ms Zarb and neighbours living adjacent to the plot had complained about the vibrations while excavation works were underway.

Sources close to the police said yesterday that all the evidence related to the tragedy has been compiled and the conclusions of the inquiry were expected shortly.

Work on the adjacent plot was halted after the tragedy, but the sources said that the owner had filed an application in court so that work could resume, and the application has been accepted.

The foundations of the new building have already been completed. Next to it lies the empty site where the garage and two overlying flats once stood. A flattened red car which was in a garage belonging to the diving centre across the street is all that remains to show the devastation caused by the collapse.

Sources had told The Times last August it appeared there could be a case against workmen carrying out excavation works on the adjoining plot. A contractor from Birkirkara, an architect and workers involved in construction works were investigated by the police.

Charles Farrugia, who used to live in a first floor flat which formed part of the block, said yesterday he felt it was most unfair to see works on the building next door continue without any explanation being given as to what would happen to his property. He said he had had to move out of his flat after the collapse because it became unsafe to inhabit.

Mr Farrugia said he first moved to Hotel Santana in Bugibba and later rented a flat in Il-Gifen Street, Bugibba for which he was paying Lm155 a month.

He said it was surprising to see construction resume as if nothing had happened, while he, on the other hand, had had to abandon his flat and live elsewhere.

"I would expect some compensation. At least I want to get back what I am paying," he said.

Mr Farrugia said he had lost his job on an oil rig in Morocco when he had returned to Malta at short notice after hearing the news about the collapse.

"It is extremely hard to continue forking out so much money for accommodation when I have my own flat. Besides the rent I am still paying the bank back for a loan used to buy the flat," he said.