Restoration works on parts of the Victoria Lines are under way by the Restoration Directorate, architect Ivana Farrugia said.

Works started on the perimeter of Ġnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta in March and now expected to move to Għargħur. The long-term plan for the directorate is to move progressively and eventually take on the entire perimeter of the Victoria Lines, which stretches up to 12 kilometres, Ms Farrugia said.

“The approach adopted for this phase of the project is to target the most critical parts of the Victoria Lines – where there is lack of stability and the increased possibility of rainwater seeping into the walls,” Ms Farrugia said.

Reinstating areas where there have been collapses

The Restoration Directorate is also reinstating areas where there have been collapses.

Ms Farrugia said concrete patches that jarred with the original structures will also be removed as part of the works.

Ġnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta abuts part of the Victoria Lines and a former World War II civil defence headquarters with its underground shelters. All structures are scheduled Grade 1 buildings.

“We found long stretches of the wall where material used from different buildings had been used,” Ms Farrugia said.

Slabs of concrete had also been used to cover the upper side of the walls, she added.

In line with restoration principles, efforts will be made to ensure that the restoration works will appear to be very close to the original material.

The Victoria Lines came into existence when in 1859 the British War Office issued a report highlighting the need for new strengthened fortifications.

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