The five-storey building disintegrated as soon as the concrete was poured on the roof. Many claim that this is a result of shoddy workmanship and hurried work.

NGOs, public figures, and the opposition have joined the parents’ call for a public inquiry but Prime Minister Robert Abela has stood fast in refusing a public inquiry, citing the magisterial inquiry that is already going on. Abela also dismissed calls for a public inquiry by Miriam Pace’s family, another victim of negligent construction.

A public inquiry can look into the State’s responsibility under the Inquiries Act and pinpoints the failures of the institutions.

A magisterial inquiry is held behind closed doors, and the publication of the findings is at the discretion of the Attorney General. A public inquiry is open to the public.

At least 49 people lost their lives on construction sites since 2010, with the years 2021 and 2022 marking the deadliest years with nine and eight fatalities respectively with fines to those responsible as low as €1,000.

Independent Candidate Arnold Cassola also posted on social media reiterating the call for justice for Sofia.

Contractor Matthew Schembri, the director of construction at WhiteFrost Ltd, is listed as the applicant for planning permits for the project. WhiteFrost specialises in refrigeration and ventilation but also offers turnkey development services.

The project was being developed on government land and was demolished before the magisterial inquiry was finalised.

Architect Adriana Zammit has worked at the Planning Authority as a planning officer, at the Environment and Resources Authority overseeing projects, and as a project architect with Infrastructure Malta.

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