Members of the Gozo Regional Committee have been approached by a number of tour operators in Gozo who told them that tourists are complaining about the eyesore at the Citadel.

A huge tent, with huge concrete blocks to support it, has been erected on the historic bastions. No signs or notices explaining what this temporary construction is for have been put up except for a “sorry for the inconvenience’ sign.

Victor Galea, AD Gozo Regional Committee spokesperson referred to the website of the Ministry for Gozo, which states: “The Old Citadel or Kastell, lies on the likeliest strategic vantage point of Victoria. It defiantly dominates the town’s skyline as intended by military architects of the day. Yet it is endowed by such a photogenic grace and splendour, that makes its sight unequalled not just on the Maltese Islands, but practically anywhere.”

“How could such a construction be erected even if temporarily in a world heritage scheduled area? Who is giving out such permits, if any, and to whom?” Mr Galea asked.

“The word ‘temporarily’ in Gozo seems to have a different meaning. The same could be said about the ‘temporary’ concrete brick wall surrounding the Ggantija Temples that was built years ago and is still there to this present day.”

Tour operators told AD Gozo that they are baffled why the Citadel is in such a derelict state of disrepair with debris, the rubble of ancient houses that have collapsed, weeds, dead tree branches and ancient walls falling to pieces.

“It is ironic that Heritage Malta’s Gozo Office is only a few hundred metres away from all this. Is this the way forward to attract upmarket tourism to Gozo?” asked Mr Galea.

“The Citadel’s fine baroque Cathedral is a masterpiece designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafá. Its ceiling has a remarkable trompe-l’œil painting depicting the interior of a dome that was never built. Apparently the construction on top of this ‘dome’ says otherwise.

“The public has every right to be fully informed on what is happening. Tour operators who are on the frontline of our tourist industry should be well informed in order to be able to give a justified reason to their clients,” Mr Galea concluded.