Thorough and independent EIAs (2)

I recall that in the early 1980s, the well underneath the courtyard of the Fine Arts Museum was converted into exhibition space to house numismatics. The project was a complete flop. The ventilation and dehumidification proved unsuccessful.

The administration realised the mistake when gold coins started to turn green and the project was unceremoniously scrapped.

One could argue that technology has meanwhile moved forward, but the premises were much smaller than the St John's Co-Cathedral courtyard.

Although something tells me that the issue is already settled and all this healthy sounding debate is just a sham, I strongly advise against the burrowing of large holes in the fabric of our 400-plus-year-old city, and that its underground network be scheduled.

Not so many months ago the roots of the trees in front of the Co-Cathedral were deemed as posing a serious threat to its foundations.

Apart from the dangers which our brilliant architects say do not exist or that they can control, it creates a dangerous precedent, for I cannot see why the Malta Environment and Planning Authority should turn down similar applications by other parties in the future.

I believe that there are also plans to dig up St George's Square (Main Guard) to create a car park, presumably for our MPs. All this doesn't bode well and I urge Infrastructure Minister George Pullicino to scrap the project - it's a waste of taxpayers' money.

Has anyone calculated the amount of energy required to force ventilate and dehumidify the proposed underground museum? While they're at it, they should also include in the equation the risk of flooding and power cuts which, although remote, are a realistic possibility. Can the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation really guarantee that our priceless tapestries will come to no harm? I think not.

This delicate decision should not be left to a handful of people who will eventually bow out of their positions. It is a decision of national importance because the tapestries and the other treasures at St John's belong to us all and let us not forget it.

As an alternative, I suggest that the site of the Opera House ruins be built as a bespoke museum. I am sure the Foundation could find the funds if it wanted to. There would be enough space to comfortably exhibit the tapestries, religious artefacts and a restored Cappella Ardente. Now that is a valid reason to finally kickstart the long overdue rehabilitation of this national eyesore.