Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday charged the government with recklessness over an underground car park and the St John’s Co-Cathedral museum extension project that was withdrawn by the Archbishop and the Prime Minister.
“Government’s recent second thoughts about proceeding further with its plans for excavation works in connection with the St George Square underground parking project coming hot under the heels of the cancellation of the St John’s Co-Cathedral underground museum project, is a clear indication of government’s reckless rush into the execution of projects, ostensibly to show it is doing something, without due care and diligence in the required preparatory work,” AD chairperson Arnold Cassola said.
“As signatory to UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention, Valletta being one such site, Malta has to consult with UNESCO on projects of major importance. It is also duty bound to respect heritage in its totality, including all that is above ground as well as below, and to respect the historical aspect of each site.
“It is totally unacceptable that government applies for permits from MEPA when it is manifestly clear that the preparatory work for a project falls quite short of what is expected. The fact that this was not done in both these projects is a clear indication of the lack of respect for Valletta’s heritage. Any proposed project earmarked for execution in our Capital City has to be preceded by in-depth research into the historical, cultural and architectural aspects of each site.”
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