A new access ramp forming part of the Gozo Citadel rehabilitation project will probably have to be rebuilt as it does not meet the criteria set out in national guidelines for such structures.
The National Commission Persons with Disability (NCPD) said it would be taking “all the necessary remedies”, in line with its responsibilities and obligations, to ensure proper access.
The ramp leads up from Cathedral Square to the cathedral, the courts and the rest of the Citadel. The Ministry for Gozo had submitted an application for “ramped access to Fosse Street”, as part of works to improve the square, in March 2011.
In September, the NCPD’s architect informed Mepa that it had no objection to the submitted plans and Mepa approved them in November of that year. The ramp was finished early last month.
Replying to a parliamentary question from Chris Said (PN), Family and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said the submitted plans conformed to the Access for All Design Guidelines.
It does not meet criteria for such structures
Following another parliamentary question in which Dr Said pressed Dr Farrugia on whether the finished ramp was actually in conformity with the guidelines, Dr Farrugia said the commission had not been informed that the works were finished.
The commission inspected the ramp last week and found that its gradient was too steep, this newspaper is informed. Sources said the current design was influenced by an effort not to obstruct a stage that is erected during Santa Marija feast.
“One needs to point out that the final responsibility for conformity lies with the applicant,” the commission pointed out. The €14 million EU-supported restoration and rehabilitation project implements the key actions identified in the Citadel Masterplan approved in October 2011.
The extensive works include the restoration and rehabilitation of the open spaces inside the fortified town. Besides the embellishment of the cathedral square, the old water reservoir is being transformed into a visitors’ centre, the facades of historic buildings are being restored, and a recreational area is being developed in the ditch.
Questions about the ramp sent to the Ministry for Gozo, responsible for the project, were not replied to.