Restoration work on the Wignacourt aqueduct between Fleur-de-Lys and Mriehel is progressing quickly. Many tourists often mistakenly believe this aqueduct to be Roman since there is nothing to show otherwise. The commemorative arches that once linked the two sections of the aqueduct at Fleur-de-Lys have never been rebuilt after they were demolished over 50 years ago.

The importance of these arches, which were adorned by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt's escutcheon and by three carved fleur-de-lys at the top, was not only that they gave the name to this locality but also that they showed clearly that the monument as one built by the Knights of St John, not the Romans.

Some years ago an erstwhile Bank of Valletta chairman had promised that the bank would build a replica of the Wignacourt arches at Fleur-de-Lys to coincide with the completion of the bank's new head office there. Now that this building is nearing completion I appeal to the bank's board of directors to fulfil their promise.

The area currently occupied by the roundabout and its uninspiring fountain should accommodate a replica of the arches. Should the project materialise, the dignity of Wignacourt's aqueduct would be restored.

It would also be a lasting tribute to Bank of Valletta, a stone's throw from its new head office.