Nuclear shelter to be rehabilitated

In the letter Documented Nuclear Shelter In Mosta (July 11) Francis Falzon lamented the manner in which this shelter has been vandalised.

For the information of readers I would like to state that the current local council led by mayor Paul Chetcuti Caruana has decided to rehabilitate the nuclear shelter as well as the surrounding area known as Ġnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta. This nuclear shelter is to be restored and converted into a “virtual” museum explaining its functions during the Cold War era. The application for this project has been submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the local council is trying to tap EU funds for its implementation.

The ultimate aim of the whole project is to combine the various historical remains in the area including Ta’ Bistra Catacombs and the Victoria Lines into one tourist attraction. Thus tourists would not only visit Mosta for a short period to see the Mosta Rotunda but may spend half a day or even a full day at Mosta to the benefit of the Mosta commercial community.

It is a great pity that over the years this monument has been neglected and vandalised in such a manner. The Mosta local council has tried on various occasions to seal the entrance to this monument but somehow irresponsible persons always manage to break into it. The proposed rehabilitation of this nuclear shelter will put a stop to this situation while it would restore a unique monument to its original state.