In response to a report which appeared in The Malta Independent on Tuesday the 23rd of September 2014 entitled ‘Restoration project turns Cittadella into a death trap,’ the Ministry for Gozo has issued the following statement:

“Currently a major EU co-funded project is ongoing at this historic site which involves significant infrastructural and structural works. Unfortunately due to the tight implementation period available for the execution of this project works had to be carried out simultaneously on different sites within Cittadella and had to proceed even during the summer months. It is understood that this causes significant inconveniences to visiting tourists.”

The report refers to different sites within Cittadella which are still accessible particularly during the night and which are in darkness. “Most of the areas referred to have always been unlit whereas others which were previously lit had to have the electricity lighting disconnected to enable works to be carried out. The Ministry for Gozo is actively following this matter to bring the situation back to normal,” it said.

“With regard to the areas where works are in progress, these are always cordoned off and clearly marked. Unfortunately many visitors choose not to heed such signs and barriers and still roam within closed off areas,” The Ministry for Gozo concluded.

In July the Ministry announced new plans for the entrance to the Cittadella. These changes were were introduced to include the original passageway for preservation, which was uncovered during the restoration work that is currently underway on the Citadel fortification.

Photograph by Alain Salvary

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