Investing in our heritage

The Minister for the Environment Francis Zammit Dimech said that Malta’s history goes back more than 7000 years.

When he was visiting rehabitilation works at Pembroke Battery, in Pembroke, Dr. Zammit Dimech said that all maritime powers were interested in Malta’s harbours and so it was only natural that for nearly two centuries Malta was first under British protection and later a Crown Colony. The British administered Malta following the French occupation. The French invaded Malta, which was at that time governed by the Order of the Knights of St John. The Knights of St John built the capital city of Valletta, fortified the three cities, constructed a chain of towers for the defence of these islands, had their own dockyard and other defence facilities.

The British changed Malta into a fortress island and later into a forward operating base. This entailed the construction of more fortifications to cater with more updated means of welfare.

Francis Zammit Dimech said that the British built the Victoria Lines, a complex network of linear fortifications cutting across the width of the island north of Mdina. This 12 kilometers long system of defences, combines different types of fortifications, from forts to batteries, entrenchments, stop walls, infantry lines, searchlight emplacements and Howitzer positions. The British built other fortifications all over the island, especially fortifications overlooking the sea, fearing an invasion from the sea. The British built the airports. Under the British rule Malta was transformed into a fortress island which withstood the might of the great powers.

The Minister for the Environment said that when in 1964 Malta became independent these military establishments and fortifications were gradually handed over to the Maltese Government. A number of these fortifications were vandalized, others were turned into cowsheds or pigsties. Parts of others were pulled down to make room for housing, quarries or industry.

Francis Zammit Dimech said that it was only during the past 15 years that the Maltese people became aware of this important heritage. He said that it was only recently that Government and voluntary organizations are investing in the rehabilitation and restoration of these historic buildings. He said that a number of fortifications of the British era are presently being restored. These include tracts of the Victoria Lines.

The Minister for the Environment said that the Pembroke battery also formed part of the British fortifications. This battery included two gun emplacements, ammunition depots, a workshop and a gate room. He said that for years this battery was left to rot. It was vandalized and a part of it was pulled down and given for building. With the creation of the local councils the residents of the different localities became more aware of their heritage. Air raid shelters were cleaned up and opened to the public. Forts and fortifications were or are being restored and rehabilitated. Pembroke battery was restored and is being transformed into a public garden, a playing field and a museum about the history of the locality. This battery, which was in a state of shambles, is now ready to receive the residents of this locality, which was born from a British village catering for the families of servicemen posted in Malta up to 1964.

Francis Zammit Dimech said that restoration and rehabilitation entails huge capital outlays. Malta, which to foreigners is a mobile museum because of all its history and heritage, needs tens of millions of liri in investment. The Government is prepared to invest. But Government’s share will no be enough. The Minister for the Environment appealed to voluntary organizations, and heritage organizations in particular, to give a helping hand in this great project.