Damage to Mdina cathedral parvis

I refer to a letter published on July 20 regarding the Mdina pavement. The damage occurred after the Cathedral Chapter undertook works at Palazzo Depiro, which is in a side street next door to the Cathedral. Trucks were driven over the pavement to reach the Palazzo.

The restoration works started about two-and-a-half years ago and, on noticing what was happening to the pavement, the Mdina Local Council reported the matter to the police for them to investigate. The council was contacted by Mgr. Philip Grech, president of and representing the Cathedral Chapter, who ex-plained to the Mdina council that the narrow streets make for a lack of accessibility for trucks getting to Palazzo Depiro and that the only option was to enter the area by passing over the cathedral parvis.

It was not foreseen that the weight of the heavy vehicles, would do so much damage. Mgr. Grech explained that, although the parvis which was damaged was not public property, since it belongs to the Cathedral Chapter, he is committing himself through the contractor to repair all damage after the restoration works at Palazzo Depiro are finalised.

The council asked for this response in writing, and a letter dated November 23, 2006 was received stating any damage incurred would be repaired after the restoration of the Palazzo was completed.

The council was concerned about the cathedral parvis because of its historical value and explained that the damage could have been avoided if proper precautions had been taken.

The Mdina council is in regular contact with the Cathedral Chapter, and is informed that the first phase of the restoration at Palazzo Depiro is ready, but the second phase of the works are still under way.

I would like to conclude by congratulating the Cathedral Chapter for the otherwise professional restoration works at Palazzo Depiro.