'We've ended up like homeless beggars'

Three months after a devastating explosion rocked Naxxar's Triq Ħal Dgħejf, the victims who sustained massive damage to their properties are calling on the authorities to give them a clear indication as to where they stand so that they can get on with rebuilding their lives.

"We just want a clear indication as to the type of assistance we will or will not be given, without beating about the bush," a group of residents have told The Sunday Times.

On March 12, a severe blast killed two people, demolishing three homes and severely damaging others. One of the victims was Paul Camilleri, 47, who is suspected to have caused the explosion when he was illegally manufacturing fireworks inside his garage that neighboured the residence of the other fatality - Sina Sammut, 35, a mother of two. Still shaken by the experience, eight families that were worst affected by the blast gathered to speak and unanimously voiced their "frustration" - a word that kept cropping up.

These families included Mary Sammut (the sister-in-law of the late Sina Sammut who represented her family), Edward and Vicky Bugeja, the Sultanas, David Borg and Marisa Muscat, Charles and Bernardette Bellia, Josette and Sunny Agius, Vicky and Karl Vella and Tessie and Alfred Bonavia.

They explained that they are also in the dark about the stage of the magisterial inquiry into the explosion and cannot repair their homes before it is concluded.

The victims, who up till three months ago had nothing in common except their street, are now united by circumstances.

"When the explosion happened, representatives of both (political) parties came on a courtesy visit but, as time passes, we are being forgotten by the people and are fading away in the minds of the politicians and the government."

Three months have passed and the residents feel their situation has gone from bad to worse. While expressing their gratitude for help received so far, they need a clear indication as to what and when other assistance will be available.

The residents explained that, so far, the government (through the Housing Authority) had offered alternative accommodation in Qawra to those whose homes were uninhabitable. They felt that Qawra was far from home, especially for their children, and the authority subsidised €338 (Lm145) of their monthly rent.

Replying to a parliamentary question earlier this week, Social Policy Minister John Dalli said the homes of all families requesting an inspection had been checked and reports were prepared by architects. Once the necessary evaluation was concluded, the Housing Authority was expected to decide what assistance could be provided.

A spokesman for the ministry said seven families directly affected by the explosion were referred to Appoġġ.

The spokesman said 70 families suffered some form of damage and, until last week, 57 lodged applications for financial assistance with the Housing Authority.

However, residents are questioning whether money allocated by the government to the Naxxar victims will have to be split between all those who applied for assistance.

The residents explained that despite an informal meeting with Finance Minister Tonio Fenech on April 29, they still have not been informed as to the assistance they will receive for reconstruction and repair works.

Some are strained financially, since they are paying loans on homes that are uninhabitable. For how long will their rent remain subsidised? Will they have to pay for the reconnection of drainage, electricity or other services? These are the questions that weigh heavily on their minds.

They have no idea what stage the magisterial inquiry has reached or when the site will be open again.

"There might be things that are a higher priority for the government but, for us, going home is a priority... It's true that the explosion was not the government's fault but, let's face it, it was the government which permitted someone who manufactured fireworks underneath people's homes to get away with a ridiculously low fine."

To add to residents' frustration, people repeatedly ask them how it was possible they were unaware what was going on in Mr Camilleri's garage.

"They make it sound like we gave him our blessing. Who, in their right mind, would risk living next to a ticking bomb?

"It was such a quiet and calm road and we've ended up like homeless beggars... It's frustrating. We have our own property and can't do anything with it."