Updated at 2.50pm with MDA statement

Residents and motorists could only watch in disbelief as a building in Siggiewi was gutted this morning with what appears to be a total disregard to health and safety regulations. 

Mobile footage sent to Times of Malta shows a house being torn down in Triq Santa Margherita as four workers (not wearing hard hats) looked on and cars are driven by just metres away. Upon impact to the ground, a cloud of dust enveloped the area, which was not cordoned off.

The building infringement was shot just a fortnight after the former Imperial Hotel in Sliema was torn down leaving the locality covered in a cloud of dust.

In a statement, the Malta Developers Association said it was obvious that the demolition contractor in the video was not following an approved construction method statement that bound the owner of any such works.

It was also obvious that no safety precautions were taken to protect pedestrians, passing traffic and the workmen on site.

It appealed to the authorities to take harsh measures against such 'rogue' contractors.

"Besides increasing fines, the time has come for contractors carrying out demolition works to be licensed, with the suspension of their licence being a possible punitive measure, besides fines, in such circumstances," it said.

Spotted a health and safety danger? Let the Occupational Health and Safety Authority know by calling 2124 7677 (9949 6786 outside of office hours) or by emailing ohsa@gov.mt

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