The White Tower at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha, which the government had been leasing out for many years, is to be handed over to the Mellieha Local Council, which plans to use the historic structure as a museum.

The tower, located on the Marfa Ridge facing Gozo, was part of Grand Master De Redin’s fortification strategy against attackers. It will once again be accessible as the Government Property Division and the Mellieha Local Council are expected to sign an agreement on its devolution in September, Parliamentary Secretary for Lands told The Malta Independent on Sunday.

The GPD recently terminated the lease of the White Tower, as it was not being used wisely and little, if any, restoration work had been carried out over the years. The eviction process has been completed and preparatory work is currently underway, Dr Azzopardi explained.

The tower was erected on the top of a rocky hill under which is a small bay. Protected flora, in particular the Pancratium maritimum, is found on the beach. The sand dunes are home to an endemic habitat and one of the very few remaining examples in the Maltese Islands. They are the last known home for a number of highly restricted species, such as the spiny echinophore (busbies xewwieki tar-ramel) and the purple spurge (gemmugha tar-ramel).

Although studies on this habitat was carried out by Nature Trust Malta in 2003 following a UNESCO granted project, the area is in a dilapidated state. A draft management plan for the conservation of this site was submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in April 2007.

One hopes that the devolution of the White Tower will bring with it an improvement to its surroundings and an end to illegal activities, parking of vehicles and boats, camping, and waste dumping especially in the summer months.

Meanwhile, the Munxar local council and Din l-Art Helwa have lodged a call for the devolution of Torri Xlendi. Transfer of land has also taken place between the government and non-governmental organisations in Kalkara.

More details on the work being carried out by the Government Property Division in an interview with Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Lands Jason Azzopardi in tomorrow’s issue of The Malta Independent.