Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) has commended the recent restoration and opening of Villa Francia in Lija, the latest in a series of successful restoration projects.

Restoration works are also being carried out on the chapel of Our Saviour at Kalkara, the façades of the Palace, the Biblioteca, Auberge de Castille, Maison Demandols and Liesse Church.

FAA said more of this kind of work was needed on the islands and called on the government to invest in specialised traditional Maltese skills that were dying out fast.

"Since it is becoming increasingly clear that the rate of development has become unsustainable, the government could help redirect the construction industry by assisting it to acquire the skills and training needed to concentrate more on restoration. This sector is labour-intensive and therefore absorbs personnel long-term," FAA said.

The organisation said much of Valletta and the Three Cities were in a sad state, Mdina and the Citadel required urgent shoring up and many privately-owned houses and palazzos required constant upkeep and restoration.