I was surprised and disappointed when I heard that a breakwater was going to be built at the Lazaretto area of Manoel Island. To me this does not make sense, either economically, structurally or aesthetically, for that matter.

When I was lecturing at the old MCAST in the 1970s, two students from the Department of Architecture did their final year project, exactly on this topic. They even built a massive model of Marsamxett harbour. On the basis of their results, they concluded that the best place to build a breakwater was at Tignè Point, together with another lesser arm on the Valletta side.

The reef at Tignè Point is shallow and also extensive as regards distance.

This fact would lessen the cost of building a breakwater there. A breakwater at the Tignè location would protect the whole of Marsamxett harbour. In view of this, a yacht marina can be set up between Sliema ferry area and Tignè point. This breakwater can also protect Sliema from the undesirable waves that occur during a gregale storm.

The sea near Lazaretto is very deep, the maximum depth in this area being about 14 fathoms. Besides, the sea-bottom will have to be dredged at great cost.

Also, reflections of the Lazaretto breakwater would better the Valetta side of the harbour and, to a lesser extent, Manoel Island itself.

It would also restrict the customary sea traffic in the harbour.

Besides, the depth at this location would raise structural cost considerably, as compared with the Tignè location.

Aesthetically it would degrade the beautiful view of Manoel Island, as viewed from Valletta. Ironically, the Lazaretto breakwater would protect the inner part of the harbour while causing huge problems in the other outer half.

Irreparable damage would be caused to the flora and fauna in the locality, after extensive dredging.