Temples shelter project 'on track'

Heritage Malta said this afternoon that the installation of temporary shelters over Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples has entered its final stage and should be completed by the end of the year.

The agency was reacting to reports in other sections of the media about the project.

“The installation of the two temporary shelters remains on track for completion by the end of this year. At no point has Heritage Malta been informed that some of the EU funds will be lost for this project as erroneously alleged in reports,” the agency said.

It said the visitors centre being built on part of the present day car-park will welcome its first visitors in the second trimester of 2009 as scheduled.

“Heritage Malta is endeavouring to limit to a minimum the number of days when these two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are to be kept closed to the public. At present, visitors are still allowed partial access to the two sites as a safe area has been set up inside the two temples,” Heritage Malta said.

Visitors may ring staff on site on 21424231 for updates regarding site access.