ST Group dug into a Sliema neighbour's flat — regulators paused works, ordered repairs

ST Group, the Maltese developer owned by Michael Stivala — president of the Malta Development Association — and two of his brothers, was ordered by the Building and Construction Authority to repair all damage caused to a Sliema apartment next to its site, where it is building a 14-storey hotel, and will be prevented from continuing works until that is done. The regulator and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority said ST Group will also be fined an undisclosed amount and must hand over documentation on pending works.

Times of Malta had revealed how workers at the site on The Strand dug straight into the neighbouring apartment, home to 77-year-old Joe Farrugia, who said he and other residents had filed reports about the works "every other day" to no avail. Inspectors from both authorities visited the site on the Friday morning and met the developer.

ST Group denied responsibility, insisting part of Farrugia's apartment was "partially illegal" and encroached on its land, and that the neighbour's architect had "admitted they were at fault". The Sliema Residents' Association said the authorities paid no attention "until the media were called in", and reported workers walking at the edge of the building without safety equipment during demolition. The Kamra tal-Periti, the chamber of architects, opened an investigation into the site.

Stivala's dual role drew particular criticism: the residents' association said that as MDA president he cannot be ignorant of the regulations, and that the violations point to "deliberate defiance and a troubling pattern of negligence".

Works at the site paused until all third-party damage is repaired; an undisclosed fine; the architects' chamber opened an investigation

Excavation works at the hotel site physically damaged the neighbouring residential building — a survey and monitoring failure on the developer's side.

Residents reported the damage repeatedly — "every other day" — and the company did nothing to address it.

After being caught, the company denied responsibility and blamed the neighbour's own building instead of fixing the harm.

Residents said they were ignored by police, the local council and the regulators until the media got involved.

The site showed safety lapses: residents photographed workers without safety equipment during demolition.

A developer that lets neighbours' complaints bounce back unanswered invites the regulator to do its project management — with the site as collateral.

Works at the Sliema site remain paused until all damage to third parties is fixed, with an undisclosed fine pending and documentation on pending works to be handed over. The Kamra tal-Periti opened an investigation into the site, and the BCA and OHSA said they would keep affected third parties informed. ST Group continues to deny any responsibility for the damage.