Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar today strongly objected to a development application proposed within an archaeological complex in Qormi. The application, submitted by PL MP Perit Charles Buhagiar, is requesting the complete development of a site that houses structures over 2000-2500 years old, ranging from the Bronze Age to the Roman Period and beyond, in order to make way for more shops and officespace.

The cart ruts found towards the southern extent of the site are believed to be amongst the oldest cart ruts linked to the grand harbour. Because the connection between the cart ruts and the harbour is still largely debatedsuch a unique opportunity to examine these remains could result in a greater understanding of Malta’s role in the development of Mediterranean civilizations between 800 – 200 BC.

However, despite the site’s rich history, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage simply requested the developer to preserve only 3 designated remains and gave the go-ahead for the complete excavation and redevelopment of the rest of the site. These conditions grossly undermine the true value of this archaeological complex and will lead to the complete loss of any other yet undiscovered artefacts.

Furthermore FAA cannot understand how the safety of the 3 remains being preserved is being guaranteed, when the Superintendence did not even enforce a minimal non-developable buffer-zone around them. On the contrary, the Superintendence accepted the applicant’s proposal to pin structural columns directly on top of these millennia old cart ruts and construct an additional 2 floors above them.

It is inconceivable as to how such a damaging intervention can be considered acceptable by the very authority that should be at the forefront protecting Malta’s heritage. This application cannot be regarded as an acceptable practice of preservation in the 21st century and if approved would be nothing less than the open destruction of our national heritage for yet another speculative commercial development.

FAA noted that this is not the only application of its kind currently being processed by the Planning Authority. Just 2 weeks ago FAA submitted an objection for an application in Zbibu Lane, San Gwann were the applicant is requesting to excavate parts of an archaeological site also housing cartruts, in order to gain some additional parking spaces despite alternative solutions existing. The preservation of these very same cart ruts had been one of the conditions pertaining to a preceding permit at Zbibu Lane that covered the initial phase of works for this controversial development. FAA notes that in this case, the Superintendence has not given their approval of the proposed works.

FAA called on the Planning Authority to take decisions as a forward thinking authority entrusted with the protection of this nation’s rich past, by recognising the invaluable worth if these sites and providing them with the protection they deserve. The economic development of this island should be allowed to prosper without having to erase its people’s past.