The government is drawing up plans to open more sections of the Mdina ditch (dry moat) to the public for use as a recreational area.

A section of the ditch is currently used for parking and as a tennis court. However another section running from under the main gate to below Vilhena Palace, is expected to be opened as a garden.

The plans will be implemented upon the completion of a €2.6m project, currently well in hand, to consolidate the bastions under Vilhena Palace, and remove, once and for all, the risk of collapse.

The bastions, built on clay, had developed deep cracks and a section in the back part of Vilhena Palace actually collapsed some 50 years ago.

The current project is benefiting from 85% funding from the EU.

Resources Minister George Pullicino inspected the works this morning and explained to reporters how the consolidation process is being carried out (see video).

The minister also explained that cracks in other sections of the bastions are being closely monitored by experts, but the required action is not as urgently needed as in the case of the Vilhena bastion. No significant land movement was detected over the past months.

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