The fate of lesser known prehistoric temples at Mgarr, not far from the Skorba Temples, is looking more positive ever since a move by Heritage Malta to buy up surrounding unbuilt land. This site was granted a permit to build structures that would visually encroach on the temples.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) has praised the initiative taken by the heritage organisation to ward off encroaching development around the sensitive ancient site.

“While certainly a positive development, this is also something of a desperate and costly solution, especially as once this highly irregular permit was issued, Heritage Malta had to compensate the landowners at commercial rates” pointed out Astrid Vella of FAA. “If MEPA’s policies for protecting monuments and respecting the same buffer zones designated by MEPA itself were working properly, then the money could have gone into restoration and interpretation of these historical sites. We are very grateful to Heritage Malta for intervening in this way although it reflects how poorly our historical environment is defended by the very Authority that has a duty to safeguard national heritage.” Pottery found near the temples is thought by archeologists to belong to a pre-temple occupation which has yet to be excavated.

In 2007 FAA had fought an application which was being reconsidered and given a third chance, after the Development Control Commission had already thrown it out twice. Following this one, another application, almost entirely outside the development zone and practically on the temple’s doorstep was refused last year.

Once again FAA calls for activation of MEPA’s Heritage Fund which was intended specifically for the purchase and upkeep of listed buildings or neighbouring land, in order to ensure the maintenance, restoration, or preservation of Malta’s archaeological and architectural heritage.

FAA also calls on the authorities to use EU funds which will soon become available in order to purchase from landowners, heritage sites and green lungs which are of vital importance to the cultural heritage, health and well-being of local residents but which are currently under threat, such as those at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Wied il-Ghasel, Villa Bonici in Sliema and the Marsaskala public open space.

Photo above shows Villa Bonici, Sliema’s last green lung: FAA calls for more funds to be made available to purchase heritage sites and green lungs which are of vital importance to the cultural heritage, health and quality of life of local residents.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar

www.faa.org.mt