The announcement that the dilapidated old Customs veranda at Pietà, which has been used as a boathouse for a number of years, is to be restored and utilised is good news for the public who have watched this much-loved Pieta landmark deteriorate over the years.

While hoping that boat storage alternatives will soon be found for the boat-owners who previously used the veranda, environment and heritage NGO Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said that MEPA, the Lands Department and Pieta local council are to be commended for concluding this matter in a relatively short time so that restoration can begin as soon as possible. The old Customs veranda is to be turned into a restaurant.

FAA further added that it was brought to the NGO’s attention that in conjunction with the developers, MEPA officials had also contributed to the process of adapting some of the aspects of the Dock No 1 project to a more acceptable scale.

FAA looks forward to the completion of both these projects, and trusts that sensitivity to site and best restoration practice will be the main priorities.