A massive structure adjacent to the Ħaġar Qim world heritage site to host a gala dinner for CHOGM dignitaries has the blessing of the planning authority.
The big tent, mounted on a raised platform just metres away from the prehistoric ruins and which will include kitchen facilities, has raised eyebrows among some heritage experts but was deemed as good publicity for Malta’s attractions by others.
Asked whether the structure and the kitchen facilities were covered by a permit, a Mepa spokesman said the organisers had applied “through the activities permitting system, as provided by the current legislation”.
The spokesman said that, although the structure was of a temporary nature and would be removed once the CHOGM summit was over, a number of conditions were imposed to ensure the site was not disturbed.
“Consultations were held with the Environment Directorate and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the site was cleared in terms of environmental and archaeological issues,” the spokesman said. “The permit issued by Mepa includes, among several other conditions, a specific methodology for the placing and dismantling of the structure and both Mepa and Heritage Malta are monitoring the site to ensure compliance with conditions,” he added.
I don’t think it ever crosses the UK government’s mind to put up a tent for a dinner at Stonehenge
According to Mepa, following the dinner for 220 guests, the site will be cleared and reinstated to its original state.
Heritage experts who spoke to this newspaper were of two minds on the choice of the venue. Some, particularly architects, described the hosting of a dinner at the temple site as “unnecessary”.
“We have so many places where we can host dignitaries and which do not disturb in any way such a sacred and unique area as Ħaġar Qim temples. I don’t think it ever crosses the UK government’s mind to put up a tent for a dinner at Stonehenge,” an expert said.
On the other hand, some organisations, including Din l-Art Ħelwa do not mind the idea. “I think that as long as this is a one-off event and that the site is not damaged, it’s actually a good way to promote our heritage,” a spokesman said.
Tens of foreign workers, mostly from Eastern European countries, are spending long hours on site to make sure the structure is completed on time.
The CHOGM task force awarded a €52,000 tender for the structure to TEC Ltd, a company which, until the last election, handled all the tent structures used during Labour Party mass meetings.
The company is only responsible for the tent structure and the kitchen and the tender did not include the procurement of other items such as catering, kitchen supplies, cleaning, interior and exterior lighting, inside draping and embellishment, tables and chairs and audio visual facilities. Sources said these were being procured through direct orders.
The CHOGM task force was asked why the call for tenders did not cover all the facilities required and to list the direct orders awarded but no reply was forthcoming at the time of writing.