Government to order inquiry into local council ceiling collapse

The Director of Local Council will be holding an inquiry to establish how a ceiling at the San Gwann local council office collapsed. The inquiry will also tap into the process followed when the council bought its premises - a house turned offices - 13 years ago.

Over the weekend, sizeable chunks fell off the roof a room used for computer lessons and other services provided by the local council. Fortunately the room was empty at the time of the incident.

Visiting the premises, parliamentary secretary for local councils José Herrera said he believed there were "big structural problems" and the council could not risk operating from its current premises.

While the local council is still providing limited services, a decision was taken for the workers to work from the front porch.

"I don't think it is safe for both local council staff and residents to keep giving and receiving their services here," Herrera said, adding he will personally intervene with government to see that temporary offices are given to the council.

The council is planning to move into completely new premises in the near future when a new civic centre is developed at Karen Grech Gardens.

Until then, the local council may move into the new bocci club that are currently vacant. The club was inaugurated in the week leading to the general election.

A year and a half ago, the current offices suffered a similar incident when the roof of a basement started caving in.

It is being suspected that the latest incident may lead to the building being fully condemned after the damages occurred without any visible warnings such as cracks.

The house, built in the late 1960s, early 1970s, was bought for €207,000. The council has still €90,000 to pay.