The Malta Maritime Authority has entrusted the Delimara Lighthouse, currently an unoccupied landmark, to Din l-Art Helwa.
Built in 1854, a few years after the building of the Ta’ Giordan Lighthouse in Gozo, the Delimara Lighthouse is in a relatively good condition but needs general maintenance and restoration work to preserve it and make it accessible to the general public.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister Censu Galea, Malta Maritime Authority Chairman Marc Bonello and Din l-Art Helwa chairman Martin Galea during a visit to the lighthouse.
Addressing the media during the press conference, Mr Galea said “We are very proud with the Malta Maritime Authority’s new collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa, which will see the lighthouse at Delimara restored to its former pristine glory.”
He continued: “In view of this ambitious project, the Malta Maritime Authority is committing the sum of Lm13,000 to Din l-Art Helwa to assist the organisation in carrying out the necessary infrastructural works on the building.”
Dr Bonello said: “This is not the first time that the Malta Maritime Authority and Din l-Art Helwa are collaborating together to ensure the safeguarding of Malta’s heritage. In 2002, the MMA had assisted Din l-Art Helwa on the prestigious restoration project of Santa Marija Tower on Comino.” He said the MMA had contributed the sum of LM26,000 towards this project to cover the external restoration works on the 17th century tower. “This new collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa proves the Malta Maritime Authority’s commitment to ensure the safeguarding of Malta’s historical heritage especially towards monuments that are directly linked to Malta’s maritime legacy,” concluded Dr Bonello.
Din l-Art Helwa president Martin Galea described the project as a very ambitious one which will be carried out in two distinct phases. “Phase I will entail the restoration of the entire fabric of the lighthouse. This includes repairing the damaged walls, the roof and the tower/lantern that are in a moderate state of conservation.”
He continued: “Missing timber apertures will also have to be replaced. The restoration of the lantern machinery of the lighthouse will be carried out in Phase II. Further study is required as to which parts should be retained, and what needs to be replaced and the works to be incorporated in Phase II will be dependent on extensive research regarding the lighthouse lantern machinery and its mechanism.”
Historical background
The need for a new lighthouse at Delimara point was felt around 1850 and the actual construction works commenced in 1854 under Governor O’Ferrall as indicated on the first plans for the lighthouse. The lighthouse was completed a year later in 1855. Till 1896, the lighthouse was lighted with a static red lantern but it was then replaced by a more powerful gasoline lamp, operated by a hand wound mechanism which produced beams of alternating red and white light flashed at intervals of 30 seconds. Its arc of visibility ranged from a bearing of 19 to 295 degrees up to a range of 19 nautical miles.
The lighthouse served as a point of reference for all merchant ships in the vicinity aiding them to determine their position on the map especially during the night. The lighthouse guardian reported all maritime traffic approaching Malta. The guardian, assisted by an assistant guardian were in charge of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was passed on from the British government to the Department of Public Works and eventually, to the Malta Maritime Authority. The Authority is now passing this property to Din l-Art Helwa in accordance with the Trusts Act. Din l-Art Helwa will be calling for sponsorships and additional funding to restore this building in order to make the lighthouse accessible to the public.