A burial complex dating from the Roman period and discovered during excavation works in Manikata will be surrounded by a block of 23 apartments and seven penthouses, sparking outrage at the “disrespect towards our cultural heritage”.
Photographs showing the walled-up burial tomb in the midst of the excavation site have drawn the condemnation of environmental NGOs and hundreds of social media users.
The site appears to contain an already despoiled small classical period burial complex with four chambers – some having head rests and lamp holders – but seems to have been used for domestic uses or for the keeping of animals at a later period.
A Mepa spokesman said the site was initially granted a development permit in 2009.
No archaeological monitoring conditions were set because the archaeological features were yet undiscovered and not known to Mepa or the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH).
The archaeological features were discovered during the excavation works, which were stopped jointly by SCH and Mepa and a new application was requested after a full archaeological survey of the area.
A new application was filed taking into account the discovery of the archaeological features. The plans were accepted in 2011 and works only ensued on condition that an archaeologist monitors the work so that no new archaeological remains are encountered and disturbed.
The development, the Mepa spokesman said, was projected to go around the burial site which was to remain accessible.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) condemned the development taking place in the immediate vicinity of the burial tomb, adding that, tragically for Malta and Gozo, lack of respect for Malta’s unique heritage seemed to be the pattern of the last few years.
This is leading to the deterioration of heritage properties all over Malta and Gozo
“FAA highlights the fact that Mepa is legally responsible for the preservation of Malta’s heritage. In spite of this, such permits continue to be issued and Mepa refuses to fulfil its remit to ensure that owners maintain scheduled properties, failing which Mepa has the legal responsibility to step in and carry out the repairs, to be reimbursed by the owners.
“This is leading to the deterioration of heritage properties all over Malta and Gozo and subsequent claims that these can be demolished due to their poor state.”
Fr Eugene Teuma, member of the Archaeological Society Malta, said Manikata was an important archaeological area, adding that he had notified Mepa about dozens of tomb sites and cave dwellings stretching from Manikata to Pwales. The sheer number of such features made it clear that a very large habitat area existed on top of the ridge.
Nathaniel Cutajar, from the SCH, said archaeological discoveries made during construction were the norm.
Heritage protection legislation has guarded against such discoveries since 1925. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was brought to the attention of the authorities of the time after a number of houses had already been constructed on top of the monument.
The Manikata case highlighted the importance of information, Mr Cutajar pointed out.
However, the main challenge remained that of finding a balanced path between conservation and construction, he said. The preservation of cultural heritage and construction were but two ingredients of sustainable development. Education and public participation were other important elements.