Valletta rehabilitation process

I refer to the letter by Tony Zammit Cutajar entitled Valletta Rehabilitation (October 18). I wish first of all to state that I am in this position because I have a doctorate in conservation and not as a political appointee as he stated. I have always been forthright in what I write and have always stated the truth. Mr Zammit Cutajar does not however appreciate at all the fact that I myself have always criticised the fact that we lack human and financial resources.

He has also cast doubt on how the money allocated to the project has been spent. The project has an advisory committee known as the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee with a wide representation. The decisions on projects are then taken by the Ministry. We follow governmental procedures and if Mr Zammit Cutajar has any doubt he should make the necessary enquiries. On our part we will supply him with all the information he needs.

Of course I know Dubrovnik very well and I do agree that in a short time the city has been completely restored. However, may I point out that this was a result of the great financial assistance given to the city after the disastrous war that it experienced. Furthermore, the historic core is much smaller than Valletta. I have my own opinion as to some of the "restoration" work carried out, especially on the bastions, and also as to the paving but of course the tourist loves it. Hopefully as from next year Valletta's fortifications will stand to gain from a massive restoration project for our bastions funded by the EU.

As to Fort St Elmo, this office has done more than its part to see something done. This is a long story that I have written about on various occasions in the past.

I thank Mr Zammit Cutajar for campaigning for more funding for Valletta and for stating that the private sector should do their part as well.

Ray Bondin, executive coorinator, Valletta Rehabilitation Project, Floriana.