13 sites which vary from statues, niches, monuments, chapels and other historical structures found in various villages and cities will be restored through the 7th call of the Restoration Works Scheme for local councils by the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.

The scheme issued in cooperation of the Restoration Directorate and through the collaboration of the Directorate for Government (Implementation of Strategy and Policy within the Local Government Division).

Minister for the National Heritage Owen Bonnici, in an event during which the chosen localities benefitting from the scheme were announced, said the scheme has the aim of valorising historical patrimony which is found in various communities. Historical artifacts found in the respective villages and cities create pride in the communities and this scheme aims to safeguard those important aspects of our heritage, Bonnici said.

Bonnici said that contrary to previous years, this time round a decision was taken to implement all eligible projects, thirteen, on a two-year stretch. "Very good submissions were made and thirteen projects merited a positive outcome,"  he said.

He said the government is committed to keep delivering initiatives which preserve, restore and rehabilitate hostorical patrimony. He saluted the various entities forming part of the ministry "which put in a very strong effort to achieve this aim."

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the commitment of the workers of the Restoration Directorate to carry out this scheme.

"Through restoration on historical places and monuments, we are preserving the Maltese Cultural Heritage for the generations to come", added Zerafa Civelli, "while raising the value of our locations for residents, tourists and locals that visit these locations".

Local councils benefiting from this scheme are: Tarxien (Façade of St. Joseph's chapel and adjoining St. Jeanne Antide Foundation building), Xgħajra (St. James Church), Rabat (St. Paul's statue and the façade of St. Magdalene's church - both located on the church parvis), San Ġwann (Tal-Propostu chapel), Żejtun (St. Clement's chapel), Għargħur (two niches - dedicated to St. Bartholomew and St. Paul - located in the main square of the village), Marsascala (St. Joachim's statue), Kirkop (Salib tad-Dejma), Fgura (Statue dedicated to Our Lady of Graces), Zebbuġ (Madonna tad-Dawl Church), Żurrieq (Niche of St. Paul), Santa Venera (Aqueduct water tower) and Lija (Old Parish Church).