Way back in the 1950s and up to the 1960s, the Maltese and British authorities rehabilitated a number of Second World War shelters as the Cold War sparked between the United States of America and the then, Soviet Union reaching unprecedented and peak proportions. These shelters were rendered nuclear proof in case of any fallout.

This was perceived as a wise decision as the authorities read the signs of the times and took preventive measures in case of a nuclear attack or accident. Thank God, no catastrophe occurred that effected Malta, though in 1986 the accident at Chernobyl exposed the vulnerability of this planet in the face of nuclear power. The effect of this accident haunts us till the present day as we had the opportunity to welcome in our midst the children of Chernobyl who still bear the brunt of this disaster.

History seems to be repeating itself and we are witnessing just at our doorstep the belligerent rhetoric of Iran which is acquiring uranium and is on the verge of becoming a potentially dangerous nuclear nation coupled with its tone that does not augur peace! Other nations, not to fall back in their nuclear defences are also building their nuclear arsenal.

Underground Malta is rich and many important historical lessons can be drawn from studying it. For instance, I look forward to architect Edward Said’s fascinating and most popular lecture organised by Din l-Art Helwa’s Gozo branch, together with the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Cultural Office that will take place next Friday, the 19 February about Subterranean Valletta.

It is commendable to open subterranean Museums for cultural purposes but the best lesson that can be taught is not to allow history to repeat itself, lest we are caught unprepared in the face of a nuclear disaster. We cannot continue to live with the mentality of “it never happened and it will never happen to me”. This is a dangerous and nonchalant attitude of denial.

In the light of the above, many Maltese like myself would be enlightened to learn from the civil protection authorities of Malta and the government itself what steps are being taken in providing nuclear proof shelter in Malta, not only to protect the top authorities of the country but also the man in the street. The seriousness of this matter can never be taken lightly or underestimated!

Anthony Zarb-Dimech

Sliema