The Restoration Directorate, responsible for the five-year restoration project of the Auberge de Castille façade, was not consulted about the illumination system that was recently installed on this building, the Times of Malta has learnt
Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi told Nationalist MP George Pullicino in reply to a parliamentary question that there was communication with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, that approved the installation, and with planning authority representatives.
The directorate, however, was not consulted or involved, sources said.
The directorate, within the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure, is responsible for restoration works on public property and rehabilitation projects.
It has a staff complement of over 160 personnel including professional, administrative, technical and industrial staff with specific expertise in restoration works.
Over the years, the directorate has carried out several restoration works on many historical buildings, including the Grand Master's Palace, the National Library, and many chapels and historic buildings.
Between 2009 and 2014, it carried out the restoration of the façade of the Auberge de Castille in Valletta.