Vandalised ancient farmstead to be restored

A historic farmstead in Manikata is being restored to its former glory after years of neglect and vandalism.

Known as ir-Razzett tal-Qasam, the farmstead, believed to date back to medieval times, is now in ruins.

Restoration work will be carried out by the Koperattiva Rurali Manikata, set up a year ago in a bid to bolster the agriculture sector in this region. The Rural Affairs Ministry recently entered into a management agreement with the co-operative to restore the farmstead.

The co-operative faces a mammoth task. When the area was being cleared up, two stone water spouts were found lying in heaps of debris. All the rest had been stolen. Its coat of arms went missing about 15 years ago.

KRM has called on the public to relay any old photos of the farmstead especially the coat of arms dating back to the Knights. This is very important in order to ensure the farmstead is restored to its original condition. This farmstead has much significance for the local community of Manikata and the co-operative.

The building techniques indicate that it was built over a long span of time, probably centuries, dating from medieval times to modern day.

The buildings and caves of this rural complex were used both as residences for farmers, who probably hailed from Mosta and tilled the land in Għajn Tuffieħa, as well as for the rearing of animals.

In 1920, the government issued the first building plots in modern-day Manikata. Slowly, families started moving out to the new urban centre sprouting around the two Manikata churches.

The last inhabitant left the farmstead in the early 1980s. It has remained abandoned for 25 years.