The 17th century coastal tower known as it-Torri ta’ Triq il-Wiesgha along the coast between Zonqor Point and Xghajra started to be fully restored by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna this week.
The tower, which is built in stone on a square plan, is one of the 13 towers built by Grandmaster de Redin between 1658 and 1659. Parts of the tower’s base are missing and an entire corner stands unsupported because it was always exposed to the elements.
The tower will be restored to its original state and the knocked down parts will be rebuilt. Stones also need to be arranged in a manner to help support the tower’s foundation and prevent it from crumbling down.
It had gone through extensive reconstruction in the late 19th century after falling in serious disrepair but during World War II its roof parapet and stair room were removed in order not to hinder the view of a concrete post built behind the tower.
Originally, the tower was built for coast watching purposes and to relay information about enemy movements at sea in case of landings. After 1830, it was used as a watching point for smuggling till it fell in disuse towards the end of the 20th century.
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna chairman Mario Farrugia explained that a number of heritage sites were found in the area and studied, thus the foundation together with MEPA was trying to establish a heritage trail from Zonqor Point, Marsascala to Ricasoli Tower in Xghajra. This will include St Thomas Tower in Marsascala.
For this to be carried out, large amounts of construction material need to be removed from the area since the tower’s surroundings have been misused as a dumping site.
A second phase of the project would then include the restriction of access to vehicles in order to prevent further dumping.
The project, which is expected to take around four months, will cost around e100,000 and is being financed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority through the Environment Initiative Partnership Programme.
MEPA chairman Austin Walker explained that to date, 36 projects were carried out under this programme amounting to over e0.5 million. Another e0.5 million were approved for future environmental projects.
EIPP funds are secured through ‘Planning Gain’, which MEPA often resorts to as a means of environmental compensation for impacts resulting from development and which cannot be reasonably mitigated.
The aim of EIPP is to enhance and protect Malta’s natural environment and heritage thus funds are passed on to non-governmental organisations and local councils for the implementation of projects.