Kenuna Tower: Specialised experts to conduct geological and geotechnical investigations – Gozo Minister

by Gozo News · October 29, 2026

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has said that the Ministry for Gozo is currently in discussions with Malta University Enterprises (MUE) to engage ”specialised experts to conduct geological and geotechnical investigations on the 19th century Kenuna Tower in Nadur.”

The Minister was replying to a Parliamentary Question tabled on Wednesday evening by Shadow Minister for Gozo Frank Anthony Tabone, asking for details on the current stage of the works on the Kenuna Tower and when they are expected to be completed, as well as indicate the structural condition of the Tower as it is now, and whether there is a risk of partial or total collapse.

The Gozo Minister explained that the objective of the investigations is to assess the condition of the cliff face and identify the necessary interventions to ensure the stability and safety of the Tower.

He added that ”the experts will also be responsible for preparing the technical specifications and financial estimates required for the issuance of a call for tenders, as well as providing technical assistance during the tendering process and supervising the works subsequently carried out by the selected contractor.”

Kenuna Tower and its gardens were closed to the public by the Nadur Local Council in March last year, due to ”structural danger caused by natural elements.”

The Council said that it was ”working closely with the relevant authorities to assess the situation and find a safe solution.”

The tower’s condition was also highlighted on previous occasions by Gozitan activist Luke Said after he had been approached by residents in the locality who voiced their concerns as to its condition.

This semaphore tower is one of only three on the Maltese Islands, purposefully built to serve as communication tools during the British colonial era.

These towers served as vital links in a semaphore telegraph network that facilitated rapid long-distance communication, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the islands, facilitating efficient transmission of information.

In February 2024, the three towers, and other sites of importance, were added to the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.