Kamra Tal-Periti Credits Two Architects With Saving 32 Lives In Paceville Building Collapse
The Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) has launched an investigation into the collapse of an apartment block in Paceville last night, which could have ended in tragedy were it not for the intervention of two periti who alerted authorities in time.
According to KTP, at least 32 lives were saved thanks to the timely action of the two professionals, who noticed signs of structural danger and raised the alarm, prompting an evacuation before the building gave way.
While the cause of the collapse is still under investigation, the Kamra commended the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), Perit Nadia Curmi, and the police for their decisive action in averting a disaster “of proportions not witnessed in living memory.”
At the same time, the Kamra confirmed that several periti directly or indirectly involved in the project are now the subject of a disciplinary investigation to determine whether professional negligence or misconduct played a role in the incident.
Beyond the immediate response, KTP said the incident reinforces its long-standing position that Malta’s building and construction reform must not focus solely on new developments, but also address the safety and integrity of existing buildings.
“The reform must include a comprehensive review of existing building stock, with a clear strategy for retrofitting, maintenance, and repair,” the Council said, adding that it would be presenting concrete proposals on this front as part of its ongoing consultation with stakeholders on new building and construction regulations.
The Kamra was recently entrusted by the government to lead Malta’s building reform process following a string of construction-related incidents in recent years.
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