Parts of the stone fabric of the historic barumbara in the heart of Mġarr have been removed over the course of several evenings by an unknown individual, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said.

It said in a statement this led to the forced collapse of the back wall of the historic property.

FAA said that the destruction of this building by stealth could be related to an on-going development application requesting the complete demolition of the barumbara to redevelop the site into a block of 33 apartments over five floors. 

If, as the applicant was claiming, the building was in a dilapidated state, the approval of the complete demolition and redevelopment of the site could be more easily attained. However, despite years of neglect, the barumbara was still largely intact and only in need of restoration, FAA said.

FAA said the barumbara, or pigeon-loft, was a unique vernacular structure testifying to the historic rural development of Mġarr. Residents believed it was the oldest structure in the village.

“Given this, the historic, architectural and social significance of this building is unquestionable.  

“Causing intended damage to a historic building is an act of vandalism and punishable by law. The responsible authorities must put a stop to such condemnable actions immediately and protect this historic vernacular gem before it is destroyed beyond repair and lost forever,” it said.

A 2015 photo of the site. (Mark Spiteri)