Wartime observation post saved at San Ġwann

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna said in a statement it welcomes the decision taken yesterday by the Planning Authority’s Planning Commission to save a very unique wartime observation post at San Ġwann.

This post stands within an area earmarked for modern housing. But following objections raised by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and lobbying with the authorities along with the San Ġwann local council and Wirt San Ġwann the historic post is being retained and restored by the developer as part of the planning conditions.

The post in question is an early war example consisting of a small observation turret built into an existing traditional Maltese rural building which in itself constitutes a fine example of late 17th or early 18th century traditional rural architecture making it very hard to spot from a distance.

It forms part of a line of similar defensive structures running from Ta’ Qali all the way up to Tal-Balal, located at the back of the Victoria Lines built along the great fault which represented one of the main stop lines against invasion from the North-east during the war. Each of these structures is built in a unique way dictated by the parent structure to which they are attached or built into.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has for the last thirty years actively campaigned in favour of the better understanding and preservation of Malta’s rich but fragile military and wartime heritage.

It is therefore with great pleasure that it notes yesterday’s development for which it would like to congratulate the Planning Authority’s Planning Commissioners involved in taking the wise decision.

In a bid of goodwill, FWA has offered its full assistance in the restoration of the post to the developer free of charge.