Malta To Create Central System For Reporting Unsafe Structures

The Government of Malta has announced it will implement a recommendation made by the Court of Magistrates concerning the reporting of structures at risk of collapse.

A central entity will be established to handle reports on potentially dangerous buildings, whether publicly or privately owned, as well as on walls, cliffs and abandoned properties. The intention is to improve response times and make it easier for the public to flag urgent concerns.

The recommendation followed inquiry 522/2025 into the accident at Munxar, Marsascala, in July 2024, when a cliff collapse led to the death of Mirabelle Falzon.

The inquiry highlighted the challenges posed by coastal erosion in Malta, particularly in areas where rock formations are naturally unstable.

Technical images known as orthophotos were presented during the inquiry, showing that erosion along the affected stretch of coastline has accelerated in recent years, causing damage to structures such as the Riħama Battery.

Independent experts stated that coastal retreat is largely driven by natural processes including wave action, tidal currents and storm surges. They also noted the impact of more frequent and intense storms, which have contributed to faster degradation.

The report pointed to the geological composition of the area, where softer Quaternary deposits lie over Globigerina Limestone, both of which are prone to weathering and erosion.

These factors, combined with water infiltration and salt crystallisation, were said to weaken rock structures and lead to instability.

Earlier this year, fencing and warning signs were installed in parts of the area to restrict access and alert the public.

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