Cottonera Lines should be restored

During a conference, Resources Minister George Pullicino recently revealed that a fortune is to be spent on the restoration and rehabilitation of some of Malta's most important fortifications; namely in Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mdina and the Gozo Citadel.

This is indeed a commendable project which is long overdue. Malta boasts one of the most, if not the most, comprehensive systems of fortification in the Mediterranean. A system which was built for war but which, like St James Cavalier, can be transformed into a cultural and tourist attraction.

I was a little disappointed, however, that the project did not cover the Cottonera Lines. This system of bastions encompasses the Three Cities where the Great Siege took place and they deserve at least some attention.

The minister also spoke of the need to set up a permanent exhibition covering this subject and to identify a site where this could be set up. May I suggest the Macina in Senglea? This place, which forms part of the Senglea fortification network, has been lying abandoned and derelict ever since the abour Party moved its headquarters to Mile End.

Besides being itself part of the fortifications, the Macina also lies in the heart of the Cottonera.

Along with Fort St Angelo and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, the Macina would form a cultural triangle in Grand Harbour. What could be more appropriate?