Following a series of squabbles over what to call the replica archway in Fleur-de-Lys, the Birkirkara and Santa Venera local councils have finally agreed on a name: the Aqueduct’s Arch (l-Ark tal-Akwidott).

Works have just started on building a €200,000 copy of the 1615 archway on the roundabout between St Joseph High Road and Mdina Road.

The original was knocked down in 1943 after a Royal Air Force breakdown lorry struck it.

In 2013, Santa Venera mayor Stephen Sultana filed an application for an injunction against Birkirkara council, insisting the new structure should be named Wignacourt Arch.

The Birkirkara council responded that it should be Fleur-de-Lys Gate, as it was named in historic documents.

In the 1500s, the construction of Valletta attracted more people to live both within the new city and its surrounding areas.

By the late 16th century, it became clear that the water storage facilities could not cope with the daily demand and so a supply for Valletta was needed.

Water expert Padre Giacomo elaborated a scheme whereby spring water naturally occurring in the Rabat plateau located on the perched aquifer was to be conveyed to the new capital.

Lack of funds delayed its implementation and it was only in 1610, following two consecutive dry years, that Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt initiated the construction of an aqueduct, partly financing it himself.

Bontadino de Bontadini, an expert architect and engineer from Bologna, arrived to take over the project.

His genius inspired and accomplished one of the most gigantic works of public utility in Malta.