Transport Minister Joe Mizzi today said that the projects currently underway in Cottonera and the surrounding areas are a living example of the government's vision for the regeneration of the historical and cultural heritage of this country. This will encourage social inclusion and appreciation, both from residents and visitors.
He said this at the end of a series of meetings entitled "Cottonera's Heritage: Your Country's Heritage", which were organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Office for Rehabilitation Projects.
The minister listed a number of ongoing projects in these localities, such as in Cospicua where maintenance is being done on the facade of the St George Band Club, as well as restoration of the wooden sacristy cabinets. These follow the restoration on the Santa Tereza church, as well as future projects of architectural lighting and restoration on the St Elias statue.
Mr Mizzi also spoke about Vittoriosa, where there is restoration work being done on the Dominican convent and a tender has been issued to monitor cracks which are forming on the steeple over the next 12 months. There are also plans for restoration of the external steps of the San Lawrenz church once the work on the Vitorja statue in the San Lawrenz Band Club concludes.
In Senglea, preparatory work for the restoration of the St Julian church, as well as a MEPA permit having been issues for the restoration of the parish church's steeple. Pigeon protection spikes will be installed on part of the church's facade and work to restore the antique ivory which was discovered recently will also start. There was also work being done on the war monument so it to be changed from fibre glass to bronze. There are also plans for the wall in Boiler Wharf to be removed to show off the bastions.
The minister also spoke about preparatory work doe the restoration of the Capuchin convent's clock tower in Kalkara. There is also a government initiative to open the underground shelters to the public. As part of this initiative, rehabilitation of the tunnel between Vittoriosa Ditch and Xatt ir-Rizq was also done to ensure permanent accessibility to the general public.