Mnajdra temples gate burnt by vandals

A gate leading to the prehistoric Mnajdra temples in Qrendi has been burnt in an act of arson which has raised concern at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the heritage authorities.

The vandalism was discovered yesterday. A tyre had been tied to the gate and set ablaze. Discovery of the arson vividly recalled the havoc caused by vandals at Mnajdra in April, 2001, when several megaliths were toppled.

The Lm800 gate which was targeted was installed after MEPA carried out an extensive clean-up of the area in the limits of the temples.

The operation had been the largest of its kind ever undertaken by MEPA, with some 10,000 tonnes of building rubble and other illegally dumped material cleared.

"It is obvious that a gate is not enough to prevent vandals from striking," MEPA assistant director Stephen Farrugia said.

"We need more surveillance. A security officer at the temple's main gate is simply not enough."

Asked whether there were any suspects, Mr Farrugia said he had no clue though the area was once considered a convenient place for dumping.

The area is also highly popular with hunters and trappers.

Heritage Malta chairman Alex Grech and Anthony Pace, Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, were dismayed at the incident:

"We strongly deplore the act of vandalism. The gate was installed by MEPA as the primary means of preventing the dumping of material in a quarry adjacent to Mnajdra.

"It is appalling that the Hagar Qim heritage park continues to be targeted by irresponsible people. We are working closely with our partners in the sector to minimise security risks on heritage sites and find a permanent solution to these long standing issues," they said.

Yesterday's incident has been reported to the police.