The developers' lobby has slammed contractors who demolished Sliema's Imperial Hotel without any dust mitigation measures, kicking up a massive dust cloud in the process.  

In a statement, the Malta Developers Association said contractors nowadays had all the means necessary to minimise and limit inconvenience to the general public when they conducted works.  

"It is clear that this was not done and there was a serious abuse in the case reported," the MDA said.  

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The lobby group assured the public that the Building Regulations Office, which is tasked with enforcing rules related to third party damage on construction sites, would be taking "necessary measures" with the contractor in question.

It also called on the government to increase fines, if necessary, for those who breached building regulation laws. 

Sliema residents yesterday told Times of Malta of their utter disbelief at the way in which the former hotel was demolished. 

“This is crazy. A policeman who was standing close by had to walk away. It's very clear that no precautions were taken to avoid this,” one resident said.

Sliema local council said it had reported the breach to police and the Building Regulations Office.