Żurrieq's De Redin tower can be saved

The photograph being published with this letter depicts one of the coastal towers built during Grand Master De Redin's reign in the middle of the 17th century, specifically to observe the coastal areas and to provide an early warning of any menace or threat approaching our coasts in times past. The tower in the picture is the one built at In-Nigret, limits of Żurrieq. Starting from the northern sector and going down the eastern and south eastern coast of the island, this tower marks the end of the series of 13 towers the construction of which was funded by the Grand Master himself.

Unfortunately, only eight of the original 13 towers still stand today and, were it not for the timely intervention of Din L-Art Ħelwa, we would probably have lost two or three more in recent years.

As may be noted from the photograph, the tower at In-Nigret is still in a relatively sound state. However, initial cracks in the upper floor are beginning to show and a quick look at the tower reveals that it is in a state of abandonment. The water that may be seeping in from the roof is taking its toll on the masonry and the several iron pegs jutting out of the masonry are also cracking and eroding the stone slabs. The area surrounding the tower itself has clearly become a veritable dumping ground for construction waste.

There are other features of the tower that need to be looked into. For example, the wooden door to the original entrance of the tower was continuously being slammed against the masonry as it was very windy when the photographs were taken, while a makeshift sheet metal door blocks the ground floor entrance, a structural modification carried out by the British authorities in the early 19th century.

Despite the derelict state in which the tower finds itself, luckily we are still in time to salvage the structure. Can the authorities take heed of this letter and do something to reverse the deteriorating situation?

As a matter of fact, the tower at In-Nigret is smaller than all the other still-standing De Redins and that makes it unique. Let us make an effort and heed the adage "a stitch in time saves nine". Let us keep the tower standing and in a sound state, and clear the surrounding area of all debris.

The tower itself and the general area and winding roads and footpaths leading to the magnificent cliffs overlooking Il-Bassasa Valley are worthy of preservation.

They offer visitors one of the most beautiful scenes in the south of Malta.