The Government of Malta will be implementing a recommendation made by the Court of Magistrates so that there is a single central entity to receive reports on Government buildings, or private buildings, as well as on ramparts or cliffs or abandoned buildings, which are a danger to the public so that more immediate action can be taken and thus it will be easier for the public to submit urgent reports on dangerous and imminently collapsing buildings.
This is in addition to the current systems and the strong reform that was carried out in this very legislature for greater safeguards when it comes to properties in the context of construction.
The Government received this recommendation in the acts of inquiry 522/2025 following the incident in the Marsaskala area called l-Munxar which led to the tragic death of Mirabelle Falzon on July 19, 2024.
The Government once again extends its condolences to the Falzon family following the tragic loss they suffered.
With regard to the accident itself, the Government notes that the independent experts in charge of the inquiry itself stressed that the coastal area concerned, which contains fragmented and unstable rocks in its nature, was and continues to suffer from natural erosion at a rapid pace, which erosion was confirmed by the various technical photographs called “orthophotos” presented in the inquiry’s own records. These orthophotos confirm that the natural process of coastal erosion has continued at a faster pace in recent years, to the extent that this process has negatively impacted substantial parts of the structure of the Rihama Battery.
The Government also notes that in the independent geological report, the experts commissioned by the Court state the following:
Costal retreat is primarily driven by natural processes such as wave action, tidal currents, and storm surges, which gradually wear away coastal landforms. Over time, the persistent force of waves and currents removes sediments from the shoreline, leading to its gradual inland migration. In the case of Riħama Battery, the report identifies several factors contributing to the retreat of the coastline. The frequency and intensity of storm events have also led to extreme wave action that rapidly erodes the coastline.
Experts also say the following:
The tragic incident in Marsascala, which led to the death of Mirabelle Falzon, underscores the geotechnical challenges faced along the Maltese coastline. The area where the incident occurred is primarily composed by a quite thick layer of quaternary deposits overlaying the Globigerina Limestone. These sedimentary rocks are known for their susceptibility to weathering and erosion. Over time, the softer nature of Globigerina Limestone and of the Quaternary deposits, combined with factors like water infiltration and salt crystallization, can weaken rock structures, leading to instability.
Experts also note:
In this case, a portion of the cliff face detached and fell, resulting in a fatality. Analysis showed that the cliff is in continued and inevitable retreat. It is unsurprising that the cliff face in question has been experiencing continuous degradation, as indicated by the receding shoreline and the scattered collapse of the battery’s outer enceinte.
The Government recalls that earlier this year fencing was installed in two areas to prevent any foot access to the site where this tragedy occurred and warning signs were also placed against swimming in the said area.
