A traditional girna that was supposed to be restored as part of a controversial building project in Mosta has been “entombed forever”, according to critics.

Residents’ and environmental groups opposed to the development on the edge of Wied il-Għasel have sent photos to the media showing the girna (stone hut) “entombed” between apartments with a water culvert going around it.

The hut would be covered with a durable glass roof and walked over by residents of the new apartments, they said.

“This is how our heritage will end up: entombed forever,” said Joe Abdilla, on behalf of Ħarsien Patrimonju Mosti, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, the Ramblers’ Association and Wied il-Għasel Residents.

“What is the use of restoring this girna and stating that it is protected when it has been buried underground to be forgotten forever? Not even the sun’s rays will now shine on this feature left by our forefathers,” Mr Abdilla added.

In a July 2011 press release, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority had said that claims the girna was under threat from the construction of 24 apartments and 26 garages were “incorrect”. It had noted the development permit granted for the building stipulated a bank guarantee of €50,000 and required the developer to restore the girna.

Mr Abdilla described the enclosing of the girna an “insane decision” as, he added, was the decision to approve a permit for the large-scale construction of apartments on the ridge of a “unique urban valley and gem to one and all”.

Wied il-Għasel is designated as a Category III Natural Monument and residents have bitterly opposed the building of apartments there.

The enclosing of the Wied il-Għasel girna was also highlighted by environmentalist Alan Deidun in his latest column in The Sunday Times of Malta.

Giren are traditional stone structures, often used for sheltering or organising livestock.