An old metal modular water tank was this morning salvaged from Valletta’s historic ramparts at St Anthony Street by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna this morning.

The tank measures 9 x 9 x 12 feet and is made of a large number of individual cast-iron square plates fitted with ready drilled holes in their sides to allow bolting.

The tank dates to the first half of the 20th century although its design pattern goes back to the mid-19th century when cast-iron modular tanks started being manufactured for use in confined spaces, on top of tall buildings with limited access and in the colonies where skilled workers, transportation and heavy plant were not always available.

This example was installed in place by the British services when they had their War H.Q. at Fort Lascaris.

FWA said it will now refurbish the cistern for eventual re-use at the Lascaris War Rooms. It will replace an identical water tank used for fire-fighting at the Battery Street end of the complex.

FWA is currently engaged in the restoration of this complex thanks to a European Regional Development Fund grant and government support.

The salvaging of the tank was made with the permission of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, that is currently rehabilitating St Anthony’s Square and its ramparts.