Management of heritage sites

I refer to the letter by Jaycee Sullivan (March 29).

In her letter Ms Sullivan refers to the heritage site known as Is-Simblija in the limits of Dingli which was restored by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure in 2003. This site has since passed under the management of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna - the Malta Heritage Trust.

I wish to confirm that most of the directional signs to this site have been repeatedly vandalised by unknown persons since its opening to the public. Despite having been replaced more than once, signs still disappeared overnight to leave gaps in the route which makes it so hard for visitors to reach the site.

Is-Simblija is one of the current 24 heritage sites that we manage on behalf of the nation. This particular site is an open one where no physical presence by our paid staff or volunteers is available. Its security against trespassers represents a great challenge. The very courtyard of this complex forms part of the same thoroughfare that leads across Wied Hazrun, meaning that it cannot be locked. Not all of the caves that form part of this one-time troglodytic dwelling were included in the restored effort.

Some are still occupied and used by different farmers and this makes the full harnessing of cultural potential of this site impossible. The overlying property on top of the caves is still lived in by farmers, which is why one encounters loose dogs on approaching the site. To reduce vandalism as much as possible the Restoration Unit within the MRI has left all doors at this site unlocked.

This has worked out well since curious visitors can see the interior of the caves without the need to force their way in. Regular surveillance of the site is maintained by our dedicated volunteers and grass is cut at least once a year in the courtyard.

Plans are currently in hand to revamp the interpretation boards which have not fared well in the open since their fixing only a year ago.