The Kamra tal-Periti has concluded its investigation into last year’s partial wall collapse at the Bulebel Industrial Estate, ruling out professional negligence by the architect involved.The investigation was originally opened on 18th March 2025, when the Council announced it was looking into incidents at construction sites in both Sliema and Bulebel following widespread public concern. At the time, it stressed that launching an investigation is standard procedure and does not imply wrongdoing, but aims to determine whether any professional shortcomings occurred.Now, following months of review, the Council has confirmed that the collapse was not caused by any design flaws or instructions issued by the architect.Instead, investigators found that the incident resulted from incorrect sequencing of works by the contractor. This included a failure to properly infill and seal perimeter walls, which were meant to support a slab before it was cast.The Council also flagged poor workmanship on site, highlighting issues such as uneven masonry and mismatched wall joints near one corner of the development.Despite these shortcomings, the Kamra stressed that responsibility for the execution of works lies solely with the contractor and/or licensed mason, not the architect.“It is not the perit’s remit to carry out quality control on construction sites,” the Council explained, warning that such involvement would create a conflict of responsibilities and shift liability away from those actually carrying out the works.Following its findings, the Council unanimously agreed to close the investigation, effectively clearing the architect of any wrongdoing in connection with the collapse.What do you make of this?Credit: Kamra tal-Periti•