I echo the pleas of Mario Buhagiar (June 15) Malta’s leading authority in Paleo-Christian art, architecture and archaeology, and of Wirt Għawdex to the authorities for swift intervention in saving Għar Għerduf at Ta’ Kercem from certain doom.

The planning permit currently approved on a site contiguous with the ancient tombs will all but destroy the hitherto pristine context of the catacomb as well as seriously compromise its already fragile fabric.

The late historian Mgr Anton Gauci writing in 1966 mentions the possibility of underground spaces beneath the present floor of the site as well as the presence of Roman baths and an ancient church in the vicinity.

In the words of heritage scholar Godwin Vella writing in 2009 we must “safeguard the remnants of Gozo’s most representational catacomb for the enjoyment of present and future generations. We need to act and act fast.”