Gems and jewels in safe keeping

Mdina, the oldest urban settlement in Malta, has a remarkable and chequered history that can be traced back to at least the sixth century BC, when an ancient village on the same site seems to have developed into a fortified Carthaginian town, later called Melite by the Romans.

It is the government's policy to restore and conserve to the highest possible standards, our rich and varied historical heritage. This objective per se is conducive to more awareness in the historical gems that form an important part of our culture. Whilst simultaneously improving the quality of life for the public, the overall environment is also being upgraded and enhanced with particular emphasis on the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of our national patrimony.

The paving project of Mdina, which was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister, is tangible proof of the government's course of action in the preservation of our rather rich heritage.

The project was an extensive one. It comprised the paving of the whole city of Mdina. All utility services, including sewers, water mains, electricity network, telephone lines and other cables, were replaced and located underground in specifically constructed ducts. The underground electricity network is the first of its kind in our country.

A reinforced concrete sub-base was constructed so as to provide an adequate foundation for the new pavement slabs and for the envisaged loading. The works also included a new illumination scheme for the various monuments, for the cathedral and the two main access gates, as well as for other churches and chapels that adorn our beloved Mdina.

It is to be expected that unforeseen problems were liable to arise in a delicate and sensitive restoration project of this magnitude, especially in an old city like Mdina that has narrow and winding roads, just two access points and a large number of daily visitors.

Some problems, which could not be envisaged at the planning stage, varied from the unearthing of archaeological remains and subsequent monitoring and recording in the main piazza, to the problems encountered in the importation process of the pavement slabs of which 17 per cent had to be discarded as they were not of the required specification. These problems delayed the completion target date, though today I can safely state that the quality of both works and the material used are of such standards that they complement the beauty and environment of our old historical city.

The total paved area of Mdina amounts to circa 10,200 square metres and covers every street, alley and piazza. The bulk of various works was contracted out, though the fabrication of the 600-odd manhole covers were manufactured and laid by Works Division employees.

The whole project was designed and supervised by Works Division architects and other personnel.

The hard stone paving project carried out in Mdina aims at reconciling past, present and future pedestrian requirements with the vehicular requirements related to the residential and tourism roles of this fine city. The paving project also emphasises its role as a unique setting for fine mediaeval and baroque buildings which, undoubtedly, form a very important component of the architectural and artistic heritage of mankind.

Now that this paving project has been completed, we, as Maltese citizens, should not only be proud of this finished product, but we should also appreciate and support the various initiatives and other restoration projects that the government is working upon or will be executing in the coming years.

The government will not stop here. The introduction of the Master Plan for Mdina will provide guidelines for other works. The Master Plan is a strategic plan that, while addressing the residential, architectural and historical values of Mdina, at the same time proposes concrete recommendations for giving Mdina a better appearance.

In the coming years, the government will continue to improve the historical environment surrounding the silent city and this will be achieved through the restoration, consolidation and conservation of the fortifications that surround our Unesco applicant city, Mdina.

We shall forever be indebted to our forefathers for the rich architectural and historical heritage with which they have endowed our islands. It is now our solemn duty, obligation and responsibility to conserve for future generations these innumerable gems and jewels that constitute our heritage.

Mr Zammit is Minister for Resources and Infrastructure