FAA applauds Heritage Malta, slams Mepa
The gardens of Villa Bonici in Sliema.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar has praised Heritage Malta for purchasing vacant land surrounding lesser-known prehistoric temples in Mġarr to ward off encroaching development.
However, the NGO slammed the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for allowing the situation to arise.
The temples, close to Skorba temples, were threatened when a permit was issued for structures that would visually intrude on the temples, it said.
"We are very grateful to Heritage Malta for intervening in this way although it reflects how poorly our historical environment is defended by the very authority that has a duty to safeguard national heritage," FAA's Astrid Vella said.
Pottery found near the temples is thought by archaeologists to belong to a pre-temple occupation which has yet to be excavated.
FAA called for the activation of Mepa's Heritage Fund, which was intended specifically for the purchase and upkeep of listed buildings or neighbouring land to ensure the maintenance, restoration or preservation of Malta's archaeological and architectural heritage.
FAA also called on the authorities to use EU funds, which will soon become available to purchase heritage sites and "green lungs" from landowners.
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Astrid Vella
May 24th 2009, 22:04
Ms Pullicino - given our very limited resources, FAA has a policy of taking action where our contribution can make a difference. Unfortunately the Hagar Qim canopy application was submitted and most of it processed before we came into existence, therefore we could not be official objectors nor were we consulted in any way.
I take this opportunity to ask anyone interested in helping us in these matters to contact us by writing to [email protected] . Help in any sector: IT, accounts, development planning, PR, translations, research, artwork, administration and fund-raising would be very useful in allowing us to press for the preservation of more of Malta's urban and rural heritage and quality of life.
marlene pullicino
May 24th 2009, 20:18
Why is Heritage Malta protecting Skorba , as it very well should ,from encroaching development, while at the same time being party to the massive building next to Hagar Qim Temples? I have the greatest respect for the work carried out by Astrid'sFAA , and Heritage Malta ,but I cannot understand either's silence ,at what has materialised in Hagar Qim.
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