Contractor Joseph Portelli had infamously declared that Malta needs 100 years more construction. In reality, what our island really needs is to inject money into the many beautiful yet dilapidated architectural gems that dot our country. Speaking recently at Villa Guardamangia, National Heritage Minister Owen Bonnici that 40 restoration projects would either start, continue, or be completed in the coming year.
While this news is most definitely welcome, many Maltese people are choosing to be cautiously optimistic about whether that time frame is indeed feasible. Many remain very cynical if they will really happen – and do you blame them? Whether it’s because we have simply had enough of the cementification of this island or because we cannot stomach the pain of seeing more beautiful old buildings torn down, there is clearly a thirst to embrace older beauties. A recent event organised by the Żebbuġ council in collaboration with the property owner , also known as Tal-Baruni, to the public.
It was an overwhelming success with thousands of people attending over a single weekend. Żebbuġ mayor Steve Zammit Lupi , who is well known for his activism, organised the event to encourage the government to purchase the palazzo and secure its future as a public space especially since the majestic building is currently at the centre of a pending controversial planning application, which seeks to convert it into a boutique hotel. It should go without saying that national treasures.
