NGO Marsaxlokk Heritage is urging authorities to halt the proposed road construction project in Marsaxlokk, objecting to the dismantling and relocation of a historic rural watchtower to make way for a new road.

The NGO, dedicated to preserving Marsaxlokk's cultural, historical and environmental legacy, issued a statement Monday, where it strongly opposed the proposed dismantling and re-assembly of a historic rural watchtower in lieu of planned road construction to connect existing roadways at Triq Lepanto and Triq il-Kavallerizza.

It said that in 2020, Mayor Steven Grech had submitted an application for the watchtower's relocation, with the proposal including the removal of accretions to the original structure and restoration of facades (PA/01640/20).

The NGO said that the Marsaxlokk Local Council argued that the relocation of the tower to make space for a new road is crucial for the locality. The statement said that the road itself warranted re-evaluation.

Ultimately, the Local Council's proposal to move the historic watchtower to an outside development zone (ODZ) site located 70 metres away was rejected by Planning Commission chairman Martin Camilleri, it said.

Camilleri also declined an initial request by the Local Council's Architect Robert Grech for approval to dismantling of the tower and allow the council more time to find a new location for it.

He emphasized that the Planning Authority cannot authorize the dismantling of the historical structure without a clear plan for its relocation.

The Planning Commission has requested amended drawings from the architect to explore shifting the watchtower, as recommended by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

The NGO said that following these submissions, it was concluded that the application would be republished, bypassing the need for further consultations.

It raised key concerns, with the proposed relocation threatening the integrity of the "barumbara," a structure of cultural and historical importance to Marsaxlokk.

"Moving it from its original site undermines its historical value and context. Marsaxlokk Heritage advocates for the designation of the watchtower as a Grade 2 protected structure to preserve its legacy in situ," the NGO said.

Additionally, it said that the area is known to have underground shelters.

"To date, no archaeological study was done on these wartime relics, which hold significant historical value," the NGO said.

Marsaxlokk Heritage said that an essential principle of effective conservation is that the context and surroundings of a historic building are fundamental to its value and significance, as highlighted in numerous conservation charters.

The statement said that additionally, the preservation of cultural landscapes as a vital component of quality of life is affirmed in the European Landscape Convention, signed by Malta in 2000.

"The principles are also reflected in Malta's planning framework, specifically in SPED Urban Objective 2 'to improve the townscape and the environment in historic cores and their setting with a presumption against demolition of property worthy of conservation...', and SPED Urban Objective 4 'to ensure that all new developments are energy and water efficient and provide a sense of place, respond to local character, improve amenity and the pleasantness of place and ensure safety,'" it said.

The NGO said that the vernacular historic tower structure has also suffered damage, rendering it more susceptible to further deterioration.

It urged for prompt action to safeguard the building from additional harm or vandalism, with shared responsibility resting on the relevant authorities.

"In light of the risks facing the building, it is also respectfully proposed that issuing an Emergency Conservation Order under the Cultural Heritage Act may be appropriate," the NGO said.

The NGO said that the proposed road would also cut through pristine agricultural land, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation.

"The relocation of the rural tower poses a threat to local wildlife as the structure and its surroundings serve as an important habitat for several protected species, including bats, reptiles, and hedgehogs," it said.

It continued that the tower is located near a well, with reeds and an olive tree present, suggesting the possible presence of groundwater.

The NGO argued that the application does not include any study to assess the site's flora and fauna, and hydrology.

"The preservation and creation of green spaces in urban areas, along with the development of green infrastructure, contribute to urban biodiversity and support Malta's ecosystems and the services they provide, such as flood management," the NGO said.

The land is also vital for maintaining Marsaxlokk's rural character and supporting local farming activities, and the disruption would permanently alter the landscape, paving the way for future developments.

It said the proposed road would result in additional loss of arable land and space for cultivation.

Marsaxlokk Heritage said that the application does not consider the impacts of increased traffic, noise, and air/light pollution on residents and daily users, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and horse sulkies, especially given the risks associated with speeding along Triq il-Kavallerizza.

"The increased traffic in the area would be posing a threat to the general safety of residents and users of this area. The proposed road would also be destroying a path frequently used by pedestrians that connects the development zone with the rural area," the NGO said.

The NGO said that the proposed road will also reduce public spaces, including vital parking areas, particularly during the weekend, creating additional inconvenience for residents and compromising their quality of life.

Marsaxlokk Heritage urged authorities to halt the project and explore alternative solutions that protect the village's cultural heritage, natural environment, and community well-being.

"Given the history of unauthorized works in the area, the justification for this application, involving the construction of a new road and the relocation of a fragile historic building, remains highly questionable," the NGO said.

It said that the area should maintain its green, open character and not be subjected to further significant, irreversible interventions that could set a precedent for additional developments.

"Marsaxlokk Heritage remains committed to safeguarding Marsaxlokk's unique character and ensuring any development aligns with the long-term interests of its residents," the NGO said.

A photo was taken in August 2018 showing what it said were illegal works where numerous blocks of stone were dumped in a field adjacent to the watchtower which damaged the dry stone walls.