The Vodafone Malta Foundation, which aims to share the benefits of modern mobile communications technology with the Maltese community, has announced more than Lm80,000 commitment towards the protection and preservation of Ggantija Temples, a world heritage site.

The agreement launching the Vodafone Ggantija Project was signed by the chairperson of the Vodafone Malta Foundation, Gemma Mifsud Bonnici and the chairman of Heritage Malta, Mario Tabone, in the presence of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Vodafone’s CEO, Joseph C. Grioli, Heritage Malta’s CEO, Antoinette Caruana as well as Ministers Francis Zammit Dimech and Giovanna Debono.

The project aims to render Ggantija Temples more accessible to people with special needs as well as preserve the site for the people of the Maltese Islands and the 150,000 tourists who visit the site each year.

Achieving these aims will include the establishment of an effective monitoring system to better understand the effects of the environment and the pace at which the temples may be deteriorating. The data collected will help build a clear and factual understanding of the conservation requirements of the site, which will guide any interventions that take place. Other aspects of the project will include improving security and accessibility. To this end, the funding from Vodafone Malta Foundation will be used to install a remote security system as well as to design and install a walkway which will make the site accessible to persons with special needs.

The Vodafone Ggantija Project will also make creative use of mobile technology to help safeguard a unique cultural jewel and make it more accessible. This will include the introduction of palmtop units which will enable people with hearing difficulties to enjoy the site through a portable on-screen sign language tour of the site.

This palmtop will also allow them to exchange text messages about their reactions to the site with other visitors. The use of these technologies will also make the Vodafone Ggantija Project a pilot for the application of mobile technology to heritage sites elsewhere.

“Vodafone, as the world’s leading mobile communications provider operates at the cutting edge of modern technology. One of its principal values, however, is ‘Passion for the world around us’. This value, which also encourages us to appreciate what previous generations have bestowed, guides the Vodafone Malta Foundation,” said Mrs Mifsud Bonnici.

“As one of the world’s most outstanding example of pre-historic architecture, Ggantija Temples, are a treasure which belongs to the whole of humanity and the Foundation is delighted to be playing such a significant role in its protection,” she concluded.

“What is planned for Ggantija is one integral part of the mission of Heritage Malta – to conserve, restore and preserve our cultural sites to the highest international standards. The prehistoric temples are icons for our people and cultural assets for all humanity. Their rehabilitation will be based on sound scientific investigation and the highest academic criteria... we want to facilitate the physical and intellectual access to these great monuments,” said Dr Tabone.

“Tourism is one of the main pillars of Malta’s economy and if there is one thing that makes our country unique, it is the sheer density of ancient temples such as those at Ggantija. Through this important project Vodafone is demonstrating its awareness and concern for the preservation of our history and culture. I would personally like to thank them and Heritage Malta for creating a project of which we can all be proud,” said Dr Gonzi.

The Prime Minister said Ggantija Temples were the most popular cultural attraction on the Maltese Islands, with almost 170,000 visitors in 2004.

In line with the government’s work priorities, a strategy for the conservation, rehabilitation and presentation of the Ggantija Temples has been outlined over a period of five years.

The entire project will cost around Lm216,000 with Lm100,000 being voted out of the national budget of this year.