Prime Minister Robert Abela has made major announcements recently regarding some of Malta's forts.

The first was Fort Campbell, when he announced plans to restore the dilapidated fort and turn it into a national park for the public. Another announcement regards Fort San Salvatore, where the Prime Minister announced that it will be returned to the public.

Malta is an island rich with history, boasting countless fortifications ranging from what were once gun batteries, to forts.

For history buffs, it can be a dream destination. From the Hypogeum, to the Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Ggantija and Tarxien temples, to the Roman remains, to the fortifications built by the Knights, and even the British era buildings.

A number of large fortifications, however, have not been accessible to the public, or are in a terrible state.

Aside from the aforementioned two forts, one could add Fort Bingemma and Fort Benghajsa which were only recently taken back into the hands of government.

Regarding Fort Bingemma, the government has now handed the site over to Xjenza Malta, to make use of it as an astronomical centre. Space Park Malta, it was said, will be developed with full respect for the historical character of the fort, while offering modern infrastructure such as the Earth Observation Centre, which will use satellite data for maritime security, environmental monitoring, and land use. The park will also include a Research Observatory as well as a public observatory, giving students and families access to the skies through guided learning, as well as Esplora Space, which will form the heart of the park with exhibitions, school programmes, and outreach activities.

It is an innovative way of making use of such a historical space, and the site will once again serve a purpose.

Prime Minister Robert Abela recently indicated that Fort Tigné could be added to a growing list of sites safeguarded from development and preserved for national use. Indeed it would be prudent for the government to purchase this property back, and have it restored and open to the public, or purchase it and allow a heritage NGO to do just that.

Fortifications in the country could, for instance, be turned into museums, heritage parks, or be restored and have guided tours to show what life would have been like inside them. Such uses could, in turn, help attract more tourists who are interested in history and old military infrastructure to the island, who would not be summer seasonal tourists so to speak. This could also help spread tourism to other parts of the island, rather than having it focused on a select few areas.

They could also be used for educational purposes, teaching students about Malta's history through tours.

Regardless, finding uses for old fortifications ensures that they will be restored and upkept. It ensures that they would not, again, fall into states of dilapidation, and will preserve them for longer periods of time. These fortifications are part of our heritage, and it makes sense for them to be used for public purposes, or be opened for public viewing.