Own-Initiative Investigation: Lift installed and resolution achieved in Valletta Social Housing Block

Own-Initiative Investigation: Lift installed and resolution achieved in Valletta Social Housing Block

Published November 07, 2024

The case

On April 9th, 2023, The Sunday Times of Malta published an article titled “Social housing block left with a gaping hole and piling rubble for a year,” highlighting the challenges faced by four families living in a social housing block on Republic Street, Valletta. The residents had been dealing with an exposed hole and a growing pile of rubble at the foot of their stairwell for over a year following an unsuccessful attempt to install an electric lift. This housing block is home to 11 residents, including young children and elderly individuals in their 70s.

The Housing Authority, which owns and manages the building, informed the residents that the work was part of an upgrade project to install lifts in older social housing units. The newspaper article brought attention to the significant safety concerns and inconvenience experienced by the residents. Citing Article 13 (2) of the Ombudsman Act of 1995, the Ombudsman launched an own-initiative investigation to address the matter.

The investigation

The Office of the Ombudsman began by contacting the Housing Authority to understand the reasons behind the delay in completing the lift installation and associated works, which had allegedly been left unfinished for almost a year. Additionally, the Ombudsman sought to determine what immediate actions the Housing Authority would take to ensure the safety and convenience of the residents.

In response, the Housing Authority explained that before they could begin installing the lift, they needed to locate the rock face beneath the building. During excavation, they reached a depth of 2 meters—exceeding the typical depth—without finding the rock face. This delay required a change in approach, including a core test to determine the precise depth of the rock face. The test, ordered as part of the investigation, revealed the rock face at a depth of 5 meters, enabling the procurement process for the lift installation to continue.

Following a site visit, the Office of the Ombudsman recommended that the Housing Authority take immediate steps to remove health and safety risks by clearing the rubble and other hazardous materials until the project could proceed. The Ombudsman further advised that the gaping hole be securely covered to prevent potential safety hazards. In a subsequent meeting, the Housing Authority explained to the Ombudsman the various technical challenges encountered in carrying out such a project.

Outcome

The Housing Authority confirmed that the rubble at the stairwell’s base was cleared, the hole was secured, and a safety fence was installed around its perimeter. The Office of the Ombudsman continued to monitor the situation closely, receiving regular updates from the Housing Authority on their efforts to resolve the issue.

Finally, on 24th October 2024, the Housing Authority informed the Office of the Ombudsman that the lift installation was complete, providing the residents with long-awaited improvements in safety and accessibility.