A group of NGOs along with concerned residents are opposing the dismantling and relocation of a historic rural watchtower in Marsaxlokk to make way for a new road linking Triq Lepanto and Triq il-Kavallerizza.

The NGOs are Marsaxlokk Heritage, Nature Trust-FEE Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Moviment Graffitti, Il-Kollettiv, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Wirt iż-Żejtun, and the Archaeological Society Malta.

"Last week, the Planning Authority unanimously approved an application for the watchtower's dismantling, despite appeals from the NGOs to prioritise the safeguarding of the historical structure over the construction of yet another road. The application, originally filed in 2020, was eventually approved last week after revised plans placed the tower's relocation site within the development zone. Worryingly, only a €7,000 guarantee is in place if dismantling fails," a statement by the groups read.

Marsaxlokk Heritage, Nature Trust-FEE Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, and the Archaeological Society Malta have long advocated for the watchtower's preservation.

"In 2023, Din l-Art Ħelwa, and the Archaeological Society Malta filed a formal request for the watchtower to be scheduled as a Grade 2 building, and for a Conservation & Protection Order to be issued. However, neither request was given adequate consideration, with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage concluding after a site inspection that claims regarding the site's use as a rural watchtower could not be substantiated. Although included in the Local Plans, the coalition insists that the new road is not absolutely necessary. The NGOs stress that dismantling and relocating the Knights-era watchtower, or 'barumbara', would cause irreversible damage and erode its historical integrity. Such action, they warn, would violate conservation best practices including the principles of the Burra Charter and Malta's own Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED)."

The site also contains underground shelters that may be of historic value, but these have yet to be archaeologically investigated, the NGOs said.

"The proposed road would cut through pristine farmland in Marsaxlokk, threatening biodiversity, disturbing groundwater systems, and adding pressure to Malta's already struggling agricultural sector. Despite evidence of protected species and a sensitive water table, no ecological or hydrological assessments were carried out," they said. The NGOs also raised concerns about the broader impact of the project, including increased traffic, pollution, road safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife, and the severing of a well-used rural path.

"There are alternative solutions that would respect cultural heritage, safeguard the environment, and support the well-being of Marsaxlokk's community. These should be properly analysed. Relocating a fragile historical structure for an outdated road plan is an extreme measure that is both unjustified and irreversible," the NGOs said.