Update 2: Government was warned about Valletta situation years ago

Icomos Malta had been warning the government about the possibility that Valletta may lose its World Heritage status for years, Icomos Malta president Ray Bondin said.

The Times this morning reported that Valletta's world heritage status may be threatened by the luxury apartment blocks at Tigne and by the city's newly built penthouses.

Dr Bondin said in a statement that Icomos Malta had also warned that Valletta could be placed on the Unesco World Heritage List in Danger if Malta persisted in ignoring its obligations under the World Heritage Convention of which it was signatory.

Icomos Malta said that the country had an obligation to:

* declare clear boundaries for the city of Valletta, something it had not done;

* declare a clear buffer zone for the city of Valletta, which it had also not done;

* give explanations as to the high rise policies around Valletta and how the views towards Valletta were being protected; and

* ensure that the streetscape and the skyscape of the city were protected. It could not continue to give permission for additional floors, pools on roofs and other incompatible changes.

Icomos Malta said the government did not take up its offer of assistance for submitting the appropriate replies to Unesco in line with policies and principles that were universal. Its offer, it said, was still valid.

PL STATEMENT

The Labour Party's spokesman on Youth and Culture, Owen Bonnici, in a statement said the Prime Minister also needed to issue a statement on the status of Valletta.

He said the government needed to explain how the situation had evolved since 2007, when the Unesco committee first voiced its concerns.

He also needed to do all he could to ensure that Valletta's status was safeguarded.

DIN l-ART HELWA REACTION

Din l-Art Helwa said that it had objected to the high rise building in the Tigne project when it was first proposed, as it would detract from the Valletta skyline.

"This is yet another example of the over-development which has been going on with the blessing of the government and Mepa, ignoring the impact on our natural and built heritage. It would be a terrible blow if Valletta lost its world heritage status, and it would be a black mark of gross irresponsibility against both government and Mepa if this were to happen," the NGO said.

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