How can we sleep at night?
Malta currently only has 10 construction site inspectors, but that number will double by the end of the year, Planning Minister Aaron Farrugia pledged in February. Naturally, one may argue if 20 is enough for the sheer scale of the construction emanating around us. Farrugia was announcing changes being rolled out in the construction industry as part of a wide-ranging reform announced earlier this year. Based on an expert report, the reform was prompted by the fatal building collapse involving Miriam Pace, which was believed to have been caused by neighbouring excavation works. Since then, the government has announced that a new authority, the Building and Construction Authority, would be set up to monitor the construction sector.
It's now October, and we are yet to see any ripe fruits from this endeavour. Especially in the wake of this week's news, where a migrant worker was ruthlessly abandoned after a construction site fall. Fearing repercussions for presumably illegal employment, he was left for dead by the very people who had employed him.
Of course, this isn't just a health and safety issue, legalities, or a question of who should be checking working permits and whatnot. The blame will be placed on an out of control construction industry and the reluctance of authorities to enforce regulations properly, possibly with the one terrible incident “does not represent the whole sector” thrown in for good measure. But there is a broader context to this, and it starts with us and what we are ready to tolerate. The majority of us wouldn't toss a crisp packet on the floor, so how could we discard another human life without a second thought, except for consequences to our pockets?
The saddest part is many people wouldn't see an issue with this matter; why in 2021 is it acceptable to treat anyone like this? We are allegedly one of the most catholic countries in the world. Shouldn't we be the most compassionate? The sad reality is the two do not seem to go in hand. Last year more homes fell, and this year alone, many workers have died on construction sites. We quickly forgot about each incident and moved on to the next, somehow acting surprised when a new tragedy reached the front pages.
We need to stop seeing them as isolated incidents and accept fault. And let's be clear it doesn't make a difference whether it's Repubblika or Moviment Graffitti paving the way. Ultimately we need to put aside our political differences and unite to solve this major societal issue. We must be there to show the many families who have lost their homes or loved ones that they're not alone in this upward struggle. But it still isn't enough. We cannot let another seminal moment pass us by and continue making our voices heard. We need to start demanding what our local politicians, whether a district MP, local councillor, or election candidate, plan to solve this crisis.
Indeed, a public inquiry is warranted here, or one may ask, does that only apply to Maltese citizens? We can only hope this acts as a catalyst for change before more individuals are injured or killed.