The Ministry for the National Heritage and the Ministry for the Environment, Heritage Malta and the Water Services Corporation have embarked on an initiative to digitize a collection of more than 15,000 historic plans related to local water services.
These large-format plans, some of which date back over a century, map the pipe systems, water pumping stations, boundaries, and public works and planning across Malta and Gozo.
Heritage Malta's Technology and Experience Development Unit will manage this project which aims to provide the Water Services Corporation with crucial digital access to information that is integral to its operational efficiency.
This initiative not only enables faster searches and facilitates immediate access to archives but also ensures the preservation of the delicate original plans.
Head of the Technology and Experience Development Unit Anthony Cassar provided an update on the project's progress during a visit by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici and Environment Minister Miriam Dalli.
The event was also attended by the Chief Executive Officers of Heritage Malta and the Water Services Corporation, Noel Zammit and Karl Cilia respectively, as well as the Chairperson of Heritage Malta Mario Cutajar.
Bonnici highlighted the pivotal role played by Heritage Malta's high-resolution archiving scanner in making this endeavour feasible.
In addition to scanning the plans themselves, the project entails digitizing pencil annotations, which often contain vital insights that assist planners and researchers in better understanding the plans, Bonnici said.
Dalli spoke about the project's significance, both for the Water Services Corporation and the nation as a whole.
She said that by publishing these 15,000 architectural plans from the 19th and early 20th centuries to the general public, students, and academics alike can use the information as part of their research.
CEO of Heritage Malta Noel Zammit spoke about the benefits of combining historical artefacts with cutting-edge technology. He emphasized Heritage Malta's role in preserving cultural heritage and its commitment to digitization, enabling broader access to the nation's cultural legacy.
CEO of the Water Services Corporation Karl Cilia said that the corporation's diverse collection possesses immense historical value.
"The Corporation's diverse collection has immense value and historical significance and includes architectural drawings, plans, and numerous ancient documents uncovered during our research for the '8000 Years of Water' publication," Cilia said.
"The digitisation of these artefacts transcends mere preservation; it embodies our dedication to honouring our architectural and water heritage, ensuring its accessibility and inspiration for future generations," Cilia said.