Alternattiva Demokratika is concerned at the fate of the Punic tombs recovered recently in Bulebel during works in yet an outside development zone since the pre-election Malta Environment and Planning Authority reform promises.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola said it seemed that the fate of this site was being assessed on the evaluation of whether the tombs were fully intact or not, when such ancient sites were never found fully intact.

“It is important to allow such sites to be fully investigated and assessed according to their importance to the Maltese as a whole. Only a few Maltese would benefit from the envisaged private hospital to be built in the area.”

AD believed this Punic site was an essential part of Maltese history and culture, especially since it turned out to be a unique site to the Maltese islands and the Zejtun area.

“Where else do we find a group of eight punic tombs in this area? The government has an opportunity to preserve this unique ancient site and conserve it for the public and to generate the much needed cultural and heritage tourism.

“This could be an opportunity to create a heritage green area, which the public would be free to visit, whilst educating themselves on our heritage through direct experience on the site," Prof. Cassola said.