The contract of sale for the site that houses the San Gejtanu Band Club AD 1906 in Ħamrun was concluded on Friday, by the Ministry for National Heritage which said that another site is preparing to finalise its final deed of sale.
The Ministry for National Heritage definitively concluded the process of buying the site of the San Gejtanu Band Club AD 1906 in Ħamrun with an investment of €2.8 million, raising the number of buildings that house musical societies which were bought by the government to 11.
It said that the new property will join 10 other buildings, principally owned by the government, occupied by the various musical societies: Soċjetà Mużikali Marija Reġina Marsa A.D.1977, Għaqda Mużikali Stella Levantina in Ħ'Attard, the Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonika Sagra Familja in Kalkara, Soċjetà Każin Santa Liena Banda Duke of Connaught's Own in Birkirkara, Soċjetà Mużikali Antoine de Paule in Raħal Ġdid, Soċjetà Mużikali Stella Maris in Sliema, Għaqda Soċjo-Mużikali Anici in Ħal Qormi, Soċjetà Filarmonika Santa Marija Mosta and the socjeta' Sant'Andrija in Ħal Lija.
The Ministry said that, meanwhile, there is another property that is currently under promise of sale with their private owners via the Malta Art Council. It said that these 12 musical organizations were all at serious risk of eviction due to the legal situation brought about by the pre-1995 lease legislation.
The Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, said that the musical organizations in towns and villages have a crucial role in raising cultural development and social progress amongst families. He said that many times, people active in these organizations encourage initiatives that promote the arts, education, environmental conservation and social well-being in various communities.
"These organizations depend much on the spaces they occupy to do their work in an effective manner at the heart of communities and so eviction wouldn't only seriously endanger their operation but also threaten their very existence. The musical organizations are crucial elements in the organization and main work for the respective village feasts," Bonnici said.
He added: "For this reason, it was essential for us to take proactive measures to protect the band clubs, such as the site we acquired today. Our work isn't only to safeguard the ability and talent of these people, but also to continue sustaining the fundamental values of diversity and cultural expression for a future with more culture."
The Ministry said that in total, the government is expected to invest a total of €19 million when one takes into account the amount that was already invested to acquire the 11 sites and the amount that must be spent when one considers that there is another property whose final contract is still to be drawn up.