An undertaker who lost hundreds of coffins when his store in Qormi was flooded by rainwater two years ago, has filed a judicial protest against the government and Qormi Council, holding them responsible and demanding compensation.

The incident had been extensively reported at the time as many (empty) coffins were carried by the rainwater down Qormi Valley as far as the Marsa Sports Grounds.

Undertaker Carmelo Mfsud in his protest said his store is located in Triq Pawlu Farrugia, parallel to Qormi Valley.

He said that because of building development, water absorption by soil had decreased and the volume of water flowing into the valley had increased, so much that the valley could not handle it, and invariably, there was flooding in nearby streets.

He said the authorities had known for years about this problem, and also about the fact that rainwater drainage from his street into the valley was restricted, but no effective action had been taken to solve the problem.

Indeed, the problem was made worse when the valley floor was surfaced with concrete and low bridges were built, further restricting the flow of water.

The protest was filed against the ministers responsible for the infrastructure, resources and the environment, as well as the Water Services Corporation and Qormi Local Council. 

Lawyers Michael Tanti Dougal, Yana Micallef Stafrace and Mario Calleja signed the protest.

At the time of the incident Mr Mifsud had claimed damages of  €350,000 including the loss or damage of  over 800 imported coffins and damage to six hearses and six other cars in the store, some of which were filled by up to a metre of mud.