The long-needed lift connecting the Upper Barrakka, at the top of Valletta, to Lascaris Ditch at the bottom was opened yesterday evening with a fanfare of coloured lights. The project was launched by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, accompanied by Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt, who had spearheaded the project.

The €2.5m project was implemented by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation within the Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Ministry, which is also tasked with the wide-ranging City Gate project.

The lift is 58 metres high and can carry 800 people an hour, with each of its two cabins having a capacity of 21 passengers.

The lift was built on its original site, where it plied the high bastion walls between 1905 and 1973, and which was dismantled in 1983.

In his remarks, Dr Gonzi heralded the lift project as a source of pride, as another step aimed at returning the capital city to its former glory, and as being intrinsically tied to the city’s business community and tourism offering.

He remarked, “Today we are celebrating another step in carrying out the government's vision for Valletta and country. This is another celebration of our national identity and all Maltese are partners in this celebration.”