FAA calls for training in traditional restoration skills

Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar has urged the government to help re-direct the construction industry by assisting it to acquire the skills and training needed to concentrate more on restoration works.

"This sector is labour-intensive and therefore absorbs personnel long-term," the environment NGO said in a statement.

It praised the restoration of Villa Francia and restoration works carried out, or under progress at the chapel of Our Saviour at Kalkara, the Palace, the Library, the Auberge de Castille, Maison Demandols, Liesse Church and the bastions, and called for training in specialised traditional Maltese skills which were fast dying out.

"Re-training of the labour-force in restoration skills could keep a good part of the ailing construction industry in profit as well as working to the benefit of our heritage," FAA said.