Despite the various changes made to the controversial Rabat Road project plans, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has reiterated its concerns that such works might threaten archaeological remains and historic buildings.

This position was reaffirmed in the wake of the findings of the environmental impact assessment on the proposed development known as the central link project. 

Stretching from the foot of Saqqajja Hill on the outskirts of Rabat down to Mrieħel Bypass, this €55 million project is meant to alleviate traffic congestion in Attard, notably Triq in-Nutar Zarb. Unveiled in May last year, the project was amended several times in the wake of the outcry from environmentalists and residents against the loss of hundreds of trees and large tracts of virgin land. 

Nonetheless, it will still result in the loss of 60,000 square metres of agricultural land, the size of about eight football pitches.

Works go through archeologically sensitive area

Moreover, 549 trees will be uprooted and 237 transplanted. To compensate for this the government is pledging to plant 618 mature indigenous trees. The project has not yet been approved by the Planning Authority.

Apart from these environmental considerations, the cultural watchdog had from the very beginning sounded the alarm bells on other fronts. Prior to the publication of the EIA, it had warned that works would run along a tract of the historical Wignacourt Aqueduct, which enjoys the highest degree of protection.

The superintendence had also noted that the project would result in the demolition of structures that might have cultural heritage value, such as rubble walls and vernacular features.

Furthermore, works would run through an area known to be archaeologically sensitive, as evidenced through various discoveries including ancient tombs of high value.

In this respect, the EIA notes that in Triq l-Imdina a newly-identified archaeological site was discovered recently, consisting of rock-cut feature visible on the surface. It also points out that a concentration of structures is located near the 18th century chapel dedicated to St Paul’s Shipwreck.

As for potential remains, the study highlighted the possibility of unearthing underground piping, which formed part of the Aqueduct that dates back to the 16th century.