Some good news was revealed this week, when the government said that it is to retake Fort Bengħajsa which would end years of illegal occupation of the fort.

In its statement, the government said that the fort "wll be given back to the people" and that the decision was part of the government's efforts to enforce the proper use of public land and removed irregularities that had been built in this historic place over the years.

A Planning Authority enforcement notice that has been in effect since 2016 reads that its occupants have inside erected an unauthorised home and garages, among other things. This, when the Planning Authority's mapserver indicates that the site has Grade 1 protection. The government has said it is working to ensure that the Fort can be rehabilitated and be enjoyed by the public in a proper manner.

These fortifications are part of our nations history, and returning them to public hands is great news. Having another historical site open to the public will not only be good for attracting tourists who come to the island, but is also good for locals wanting to play tourist in our own country, and offers a space which the public can go and enjoy. It could, for instance, also be turned into a museum about the British period in Malta.

There are other fortifications that have had legal questions pending. One that comes to mind is Fort Bingemma. The last we head of the situation there was back in 2023, and that is another fortification that should be returned to public hands.

In addition, there are plenty of fortifications around the country that are in a dangerous state and need rehabilitation. One that this newsroom has mentioned on a number of occasions is Fort Campbell in Mellieha. The grounds are beautiful and perfect to be enjoyed by families who go on walks around the picturesque area and hold picnics. But the site is in a dangerous and dilapidated state. It should be rehabilitated.

Then there are plenty more smaller fortifications around the island, such as gun batteries, that could be done up to better form part of heritage trails for instance.

Malta is a country that is rich in history, going back from thousands of years BC. You could find ruins in the most unlikely of places, such as at the tal-Wej area in Mosta, which features cart-ruts and tombs.

Aside from better protection, perhaps making these areas more well known to the public could encourage more people to take a day out in the countryside and explore, so to speak. But again some of the areas around the island are not safe, and so safety features should be installed.