Luke Said, a Gozitan Nationalist Party candidate, has said that Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery in Gozo is “being left to crumble.”

He noted i a statement on Friday, that last January, it was announced that, after decades of delays, the Lands Authority had finally agreed to transfer the site of Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery at Qbajjar, Gozo, to Heritage Malta for emergency restoration and preservation.

Said added that this was welcomed as a long-overdue step toward preserving one of Gozo’s scheduled Grade 1 iconic historical landmarks.

However, Said stressed that “while restoration inevitably takes time, the current state of the site is unacceptable. A recent visit reveals clear signs of ongoing neglect and vandalism. Shockingly, the entrance to the battery has been left unsecured, allowing further damage to take place.”

He argued that “this raises serious concerns about how committed the authorities truly are to safeguarding this heritage site, especially as no planning application for restoration has yet been submitted.”

Luke Said urged Heritage Malta to “take immediate action, beginning with securing the site to prevent additional vandalism. The lack of basic protective measures undermines public trust in the agency’s commitment.”

He went on to say that “it is worth noting that the government previously dismissed a proposal by the NGO Din l-Art Helwa and the Zebbug Local Council to restore the site, despite the success of similar collaborations in Gozo, such as the restoration of St Anthony’s Battery with the Qala Local Council and Ta’ Sopu Watchtower with the Nadur Local Council. The decision to centralise responsibility now demands accountability and visible progress.”

Given this context, the PN candidate said that he is making the following urgent appeals:

Secure the site immediately. Close and lock the gate. Install basic fencing or security measures to prevent further vandalism.

Begin restoration now. Expedite the planning process, assign architects, and launch restoration works without further delay.

Collaborate with experienced NGOs and local councils. Involve Din l-Art ?elwa and the ?ebbu? Local Council in a transparent, community-driven restoration model.

Luke Said stressed that “Il-Qolla l-Bajda is the last of its kind in Gozo. Every day of inaction takes it closer to irreversible loss. We urge Heritage Malta, the Lands Authority, and the Government of Malta to treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.”

“The time to act is now. Protect our heritage before it disappears,” concluded Said.

Photos: Luke Said

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