Jean Paul Sofia’s family has stated that it requested a public inquiry in the first place so that other families do not have to suffer the pain they are still experiencing.

The statement came after Prime Minister Robert Abela announced seven key terms of reference from the magisterial inquiry, which will guide the recently announced public inquiry.

These included investigating the manner with which the government gave AllPlus Ltd the land in question, whether there is any connection between how this allocation was given, and the subsequent collapse, and whether any state entity failed to take appropriate action within their judicial powers that was expected of them in the name of good governance.

“Our request started so that other families do not have to suffer the pain that we are still going through. This will remain our goal throughout the public inquiry,” the family expressed. 

“The opening of a public inquiry is an important step to bring justice to Jean Paul and the public. We have many questions about the possible shortcomings in Jean Paul’s case, but these questions could be asked by many other people who are affected by construction projects.”

“We believe that the public inquiry should investigate development and construction projects from all aspects, starting from the beginning of the process, which in cases like that of Jean Paul started with the participation of Malta Enterprise and INDIS, continuing with the planning and construction process, and continuing to investigate until the last moment when a tragedy happens and the victims have to be rescued,” they appealed.

Abela also requested the board overlooking the public inquiry to take no longer than five months to conclude the report, which the Sofia family will have complete access to.

20-year-old Sofia died last December after getting buried in the rubble of a construction site collapse on a questionable site in Kordin.

Since then, five people have been arrested and charged with his involuntary homicide, a magisterial inquiry concluded, and a public inquiry currently underway.