The restoration project carried out on the Red Tower in the limits of Mellieħa cost more than € 306,000, Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli and Parliamentary Secretary for European funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said on Monday.

Restoration work was carried out on both the outside and inside of the tower.

The project was carried out in collaboration with the NGO Din l- Art Ħelwa. It was funded by EU funds and co- financed by the Malta Tourism Authority.

The restoration project, which is known as ‘ The Northern Coastal Watch’, includes two other towers which are located in Comino and in Dwejra, Gozo, with a total investment of around one million euros.

Restoration work on the exterior part of the tower included the removal of items that were attached to it and had no historical value, as well as other interventions and the replacement of stone which was damaged or deteriorated.

In addition, extensive wall work has been carried out on the inside of the tower. A new lighting system and a security system have also been installed.

Minister Farrugia Portelli said that the inauguration of this project is gratifying because “another one of Malta’s jewels has been restored and conserved.”

She added that this means “we are keeping the country’s tourism product in top condition and preserving the historical heritage for future generations.”

This project is part of the Government’s strategy to seize the opportunity during the COVID- 19 pandemic and do more work in order to improve the tourism product, she said.

The Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that through the Red Tower project, the government continues to expose the cultural and historical heritage of the country.