Despite the Planning Authority’s go-ahead for the construction of a tunnel in Santa Luċija, the heritage watchdog has reiterated its concerns that legal obligations meant to safeguard possible archaeological remains had not been adhered to.

The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage made this remark on September 19 – a day after the PA board unanimously approved the €20 million project.

Announced a year ago, the underpass is meant to alleviate traffic congestion in the southern part of the island and complement the new multi-level junction under construction next to the Addolorata Cemetery.

Concerns over the manner in which the project was being handled by Transport Malta were formally raised last month in a submission the superintendence made to the PA.

The heritage watchdog complained that a geo-radar survey to indicate any possible remains in this “very sensitive” archaeological site, near the Tarxien Temples and the Santa Luċija Hypogeum, had been carried out by the developer (Transport Malta) without its consent. Furthermore, the superintendence ruled out that this was an oversight, as it had twice alerted the developer in writing on the need to consult with it on the matter. 

It had not been provided with the findings of the survey - except for a text message from the TM chairman

In its submission the heritage watchdog criticised Transport Malta’s handling of the project from a legal perspective and on the merits of the survey itself. It noted that the transport regulator had not adhered to the provisions of the Cultural Heritage Act which stated that such surveys could only be carried out with its authorisation.

As for the survey, the superintendence questioned the methodology in view of the fact that Transport Malta made no use of readily available information on the nearest archaeological features. Had this source of information been used, it would have facilitated the discovery of any possible remains, the heritage watchdog remarked.

The superintendence also lamented it had not been provided with the findings of the survey - except for a text message from the TM chairman. In view of this it had declined from commenting on the project’s design or making suggestions on deviations to safeguard archaeological findings.

Instead it limited itself to a set of recommendations to ensure that work would be supervised and any findings investigated and safeguarded.

Nevertheless, despite acknowledging that it was “not sufficiently informed” on this project, the superintendence opted not to object. Such a controversial stance was justified on the grounds of “the importance and urgency” of this project.

Subsequently, the PA’s case officer remarked that the issues raised by the heritage watchdog had been addressed and the development application was approved last week.

However, in a fresh submission filed a day later, the superintendence made it amply clear that “the concerns and recommendations expressed” last week remained valid.

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