Updated: Police to investigate 'pungent smell' that led to Hexagon House evacuation

MEPA staff within the Environment Protection Directorate had to evacuate Hexagon House in Marsa today because of an overpowering, pungent, smell the Authority said.

"The Drainage Department were called in to establish whether the smell was resulting from some leakage within the drainage system of the offices. An inspection was carried out on the entire drainage system and it resulted to be faultless and in good working condition. It was also established that evidence of this smell was only noticed to be coming from within the offices and not the surrounding grounds," MEPA said.

The MEPA management then asked the police to start their own independent examination to establish the facts and investigate any possible foul play.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said in reply to a parliamentary question this evening that the purchase of the temporary utile dominum of Hexagon House had cost MEPA €4,258,094.57 (Lm1,828,000). Hexagon House was previously used by HSBC.