Marked improvement in the general conditions of the living quarters of Leisure Clothing employees in Ħal Far was noted during a pre-announced on-site inspection by Magistrate Carol Peralta, this morning.

However, the overall impression was that this complex housing some 120 Asian workers in 60 rooms was still below standard, especially when it came to sanitary facilities.

The inspection was made in the wake of the claims made in court by a number of  employees, who spoke about the appalling conditions they had to endure at the  Ħal Far living quarters which they described as  small, crammed and dirty.

These revelations were made during the compilation of evidence against Bin Han, 46, from San Ġwann and Jia Liu, 31, from Birżebbuġa, who are charged with human trafficking and the exploitation of Chinese and Vietnamese workers at Leisure Clothing. They are pleading not guilty.

Last Wednesday, Magistrate Peralta announced that he would be visiting the dormitory to carry out an onsite inspection today.

However, Inspector Sylvana Briffa had testified that since the start of police investigations some months ago, the company had made an effort to improve the living quarters of its employees.

Located next to the headquarters of the Employment and Training Corporation in Ħal Far, the complex bears more similarities with a labour camp than with a living quarters.

According to Mr Bin, the iron gate at the entrance of the complex was only meant to protect the employees. He added that last year unidentified persons, broke into the complex, prompting the company to beef up security measures.

However, he insisted that no curfew was in place for employees. “If they arrive late at night they just ring the bell and the security opens the gate,” he said.

During the compilation of evidence, a Vietnamese worker testified that the food they were fed was “inedible” and used to give her the runs. However, judging by the environment and quality of food which was being prepared in the kitchen in front of the media which was also present, there had been a dramatic improvement.

As for the dormitory itself, the place left much to be desired especially with filthy and stained walls, ceiling fans falling to pieces and primitive appliances, such as rusty refrigerators. Sanitary facilities were also not up to scratch, with leaking water, and broken window panes.

Conditions in an adjacent block were four employees shared a single room still left much to be desired. On a positive note, the Chinese company made amends by installing an air conditioning unit.

The rest were given €10 a month as subsidy to compensate for the lack of air conditioning, the Chinese company said.

A major improvement was noted in the common areas, which had been embellished in recent weeks. On one floor there was a brand new pool table, and on another a table tennis in mint condition.

Several photos portraying employees enjoying themselves during after hour activities organised by the company were also put up. Residents could also make use of the free wi-fi installed recently, Magistrate Peralta was told.

Meanwhile, police sources told Times of Malta that during the initial inspections carried out soon after the first complaints were filed, conditions were much worse.

“The living quarters were filthy and none of these common areas had been embellished. However, when the case surfaced in the media, things started to improve,” they said.