The project for the restoration of the clock tower and the building of the Interpretation Centre in Mtarfa has been completed at a cost of over €1 million, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Three ministers attended a ceremony to mark the occasion: Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, and Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo.

Azzopardi praised the initiative taken by the Mtarfa Local Council to restore the clock tower, which is an integral part of the historical heritage of Mtarfa.

He urged other local councils to take positive initiatives of this kind to preserve the country's historical heritage.

Azzopardi said that through this project, the people living in Mtarfa and in nearby areas will benefit. He said that this project is also an investment in the tourism market.

On the Interpretation Center, Azzopardi said that this will serve as a cultural and educational space, providing a venue for local and foreign artists to showcase their art. Azzopardi noted that the Department of Public Works is also engaged in preparations for an extensive project in the Mtarfa square.

Schembri said that, through European funds, a project in the heart of the Mtarfa community is bringing life back to the area.

"I am pleased to see that with these funds, not only is the clock tower and Interpretation Center benefiting, but the Mtarfa community is also putting this locality on Malta's tourist map as a unique attraction,” Schembri said.

Bartolo said that the country needs to attract tourism throughout the year in Malta as one tourist destination.

“The more we diversify the offers our country provides, the more locations that are not traditionally touristy like Mtarfa will benefit from the wealth we are creating together. The investment in this clock tower in Mtarfa will contribute to a new tourist niche, that of military tourism,” Bartolo said.

Mayor of Mtarfa Kyle Mifsud expressed satisfaction with the completion of this project, which had been awaited for several years.

The mayor said that this is just one of many planned projects in this locality.

“The Planning Authority has recently approved a regeneration project for the heart of the barracks into a pedestrian area, while with the assistance of the Department of Public Works, the regeneration of the main square will begin in the coming months,” he said.

 Mifsud also announced that the process is underway to issue a tender for the embellishment of Oswald Square.