Immediate Restoration of ta' Kola Windmill at Xaghra

By the end of last year officials of the Museums Department reported that the antennae of Ta' Kola Windmill at Xaghra were in danger of collapse.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Gozo co-ordinated an on the spot inquiry in January of this year. Various officials from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Gozo, the Museums Department and the Works Department were present for this inquiry. It was found out that the wood at the exposed end of the main shaft that supports the antennae had deteriorated through adverse weather conditions, that is the exposed end of the main shaft where the six antennae are fixed are periodically subjected to sun and rain with the result of the gradual deterioration of the wood. This may lead to the collapse of the six antennae which may also cause damage to the roof.

Although this windmill still has the authentic wooden parts and is in working condition, such a natural process of wood deterioration has happened in the past when windmills were in use. This resulted in having to change the main shaft boom and the six antennae. Other wooden parts of the mechanism were also changed due to wear and tear.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Gozo, through its Historical Heritage Committee, is taking immediate steps to start restoration works as soon as poosible. This may cause some inconveniences to the visitor and at times the windmill will have to be closed to the public.