Another breach in the Victoria Lines

The above photograph depicts yet another part of the historic Victoria Lines that has suddenly collapsed probably as a result of neglect and the recent heavy downpour.

It is true that the late 19th century defensive lines which span across our island from west to east along a natural fault are breached in various other places. The destruction and/or collapse of the infantry lines is, unfortunately, a process that has been going on for decades on end with very little, if any, effort being made by the authorities to restore, or at least preserve, what remains of the entire defence line.

A walk along the Victoria Lines will give one the opportunity to admire some of our island’s magnificent country, cliff and sea sceneries. At the same time, one will also appreciate the work done by our predecessors who somehow managed to create a defence line against a possible invasion from the northern shores of the island without impinging too much on the astounding natural beauty of the area.

Although the Victoria Lines were built approximately three centuries after the more famous and historic fortifications of Valletta and Cottonera, they are still of significance to our history and culture. Whereas during the era of the Knights of St John the effort was more on massiveness and visibility, with the development of stronger and more penetrating ordnance, latter fortifications such as those of the Victorian era were less imposing and the effort was more on the blending of the forts with the surrounding environs and habitat.

The area depicted in the photograph can be reached from the wayside chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, an area which is very popular for Sunday outings especially in the autumn and winter months. It is not difficult to reach it by means of small offroad vehicles. The collapse is pretty recent. All the stones and original rubble are still in place and no stones have been hoarded away. All it takes is some goodwill on the part of the authorities to prevent further collapse and to restore the breach.

About one kilometre to the east of the location depicted in the photograph, one can see the Binġemma Fort. Here again, a few years ago, it was announced that the government would soon withdraw the current lease and take action to restore the place for public viewing and enjoyment. Alas, the place, at least until a few months ago, was still in private hands. Of the three major forts that are spread along the Victoria Lines, the Binġemma Fort is the only one that is not in government hands. Isn’t it high time that the fort be returned to its rightful owner and be given in trust to one of our heritage foundations to restore it to its former glory?