Mtarfa Clock Tower gets new lease of life courtesy of European funds
The Mtarfa Local Council with the assistance of MEUSAC has been granted €463,000 from the European Regional Development Fund to restore the Clock Tower in the locality and to construct an interpretation centre adjacent to the tower. The project aims to hold the historical and military history of Mtarfa in higher esteem together with the era in which it was built. The total investment of the project amounts to €950,000.
At a visit to the project a presentation was made by the Mayor of Mtarfa Daniel Attard in the presence of the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Head of MEUSAC Mandy Falzon, Head of EU Funds at MEUSAC Darren Grasso, Project Architect Daniel Micallef, and Senior Officer for the Conservation of Superintendence for Cultural Heritage Kenneth Cauchi.
The restoration of the Clock Tower consisted of the replacement of lighting, stone cleaning, calibration of clock mechanism, works on the damaged stairway, stripping of rust from the railing and staircase leading to the roof.
Minister Carmelo Abela stated that this project is a clear example that the Mtarfa Local Council has acquired funds to preserve an important building in the locality. He mentioned how local councils are among various entities that with European funds can carry out various projects for the benefit of the community. He also pointed out that last year 21 local councils were assisted by MEUSAC to submit the application for funding from European funds.
He said how such an initiative launched in Mtarfa helps to increase appreciation for the historical and cultural heritage that our country offers. He therefore urged the local councils to approach MEUSAC so that they too can obtain information on what type of projects they can apply for and to provide them with the necessary assistance to benefit from European funds.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that with European funds we continue our work to strengthen the Maltese touristic product. He continued by saying that the Clock Tower will attract quality tourism due to its military history and cultural importance as it gives insight on how the Maltese used to live during those days.
“This is an opportunity to return this clock to its original glory for the people in the locality, so that everyone would be able to appreciate the cultural heritage left by our forefathers”, concluded Parliamentary Secretary Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Mayor of Mtarfa Daniel Attard said that this project presents the perfect example of a council which is guided by its ambitions, and not its limitations. He explained that this project will not only strengthen the local identity by protecting its cultural heritage but will also contribute to the economic regeneration of Mtarfa. This, with the ultimate goal of sustaining the council’s commitment to invest in the community and improve the quality of life of all residents, concluded the mayor.