The ability and specialised skills of the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry’s workers have helped to carry out highly delicate work on the country’s monuments and historic buildings, said Minister Ninu Zammit.

Speaking during a visit to Ta’ Sarria church in Floriana, where restoration work is under way, the minister said that the structural damage required a lengthy period of restoration.

The damage, he said, included structural shifts, erosion and dirt deposits. Although the church was not hit directly during the WWII, it was affected by the blasts from bombs that hit neighbouring buildings.

He said a high clay content in the stones, seeping water and vehicle exhaust emissions are all taking a toll on the 17th century church.

A number of stones had to be replaced, however care was taken to preserve the architectural lines used by architect Mattia Preti.

The ministry is also restoring the old church of Siggiewi, the chapel of Our Lady of the Graces in Qrendi, Our Saviour chapel in Kalkara, the National Library in Valletta, the chapels of St Michael and St Basle in Imqabba and the St Barbara bastions in Valletta.