Malta must ensure that the tradition of rubble wall building is passed on to new generations, said Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit.

Speaking during a meeting for students attending a course in rubble wall building – Mr Zammit said that these walls were a typical characteristic of the Maltese countryside and it was our duty, as a nation, to ensure that the tradition lives on.

The course is being organised by the Building Industry Consultative Council. Mr Zammit said rubble walls were built out of zonqor which is sometimes found in farmers’ fields. This type of stone is very hard wearing and is not easily damaged by the elements. “The tools needed to build such walls are string, wood and a pick,” he said.

Mr Zammit said the courses being organised this year will help boost the trade which, in practice, was decreasing. There are 55 students attending the current course.

Mr Zammit said that a total of 300 people attended such courses in 2004. “And workers from the Works Division showed the fruits of the course in the large stretches of rubble wall they built at Xarolla in Zurrieq, Islet Promenade in St Paul’s Bay and the Ghajn Tuffieha campsite,” he said.

He also praised the Zurrieq scouts for starting a Rubble Wall Builder badge in its list of skills to be learnt. Moreover, the BICC and the Maltese Book Club have launched a book covering the history of the rubble wall, building techniques and the legal aspects of such building.

Mr Zammit said he hoped the launch of the training schemes would generate greater awareness of historical and traditional trades as well as serve as a link to other projects safeguarding the environment.