The environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has called on the government to get its priorities right as Malta's heritage in stone continues to show signs of deterioration.
"In the space of just five days Malta has experienced two major heritage setbacks: the closure of Fort St Angelo due to dangerous structural cracks and the collapse of a section of the Floriana fortifications. Neither of these was an overnight development. The deteriorating situation at St Angelo has been known and highlighted in the press for some time, however Heritage Malta lacks the funds to carry out the necessary large scale restoration works. Furthermore, the questionable decision to build a hotel on the flank of St Angelo has exacerbated the damage to the Knights' entry ramp not built to support heavy vehicles," FAA said.
These, it added, were not isolated cases, as parts of Fort Ricasoli too seemed to have been abandoned to the elements while parts of St Elmo were in an advanced state of deterioration.
The NGO asked what had become of the Committee of Guarantee chaired by President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici which was set up to coordinate the work of Malta's heritage protection agencies.
It also asked why the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the MEPA Heritage Management Unit had been kept so short of staff that they could not carry out their duties properly
"With 60 kilometres of bastions and the citadels of Valletta, Mdina and Gozo all in various stages of deterioration, the Maltese Islands urgently need a National Restoration Strategy. This would allow those technically competent in the field to draw up a plan of action focusing on the most urgent works to start with and then moving on to other heritage sites in dire need of restoration or a facelift in an organised and coordinated manner," FAA said.
"While the all important restoration of the fortifications was neglected for years until €36m of EU funds became available, approximately Є40 million have now somehow been found for the construction of a new Parliament building which could be accommodated elsewhere. Surely care of an iconic monument like St. Angelo should come first?"
The NGO said it was important to put the fortifications to good use. Even under the knights they enjoyed alternative uses.
"Provided it is well managed and sustainable, any activity that does not damage the structure, could contribute to the upkeep of the fortifications," FAA again.
See two-page focus article in The Sunday Times.