Six families forced out of their homes in Santa Venera earlier this month are still waiting for answers, and still not allowed back inside.Residents from two apartment blocks on Quarries Street were evacuated on 8th February with just 15 minutes’ notice after alarming cracks suddenly appeared in their walls as reported by Times of Malta.Now, weeks later, they remain displaced.Replying to a parliamentary question, Justice and Construction Reform Minister Jonathan Attard said the properties are still being assessed to determine whether it’s safe for residents to return. He added that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will continue supporting the affected families until architects give the all-clear.Works at a nearby construction site have since been suspended, while authorities review permits in the area amid concerns about fragile foundations.The BCA and local council are also expected to scrutinise developments nearby, with architects and developers required to agree on a new method statement before works can resume.Residents had previously said they flagged concerns as early as mid-January after noticing fresh cracks forming. Gauges were later installed to monitor movement, but as the cracks worsened, a police report was filed and the evacuation was ordered.Emergency stabilisation works were carried out on one property next to the site to reduce immediate risks.The project’s architect later said that while excavation hadn’t started, piling works, a method used to reinforce foundations, were ongoing. In this case, piles were driven around 14 metres into the bedrock.He said the vibrations from the piling may have disturbed already weakened material beneath nearby homes, adding that the team is now evaluating alternatives that could reduce vibrations if works resume.For now, though, the families remain in limbo, waiting to find out when, or if, they can return home.What do you make of this?•