A newly constructed viewing point by HSBC Malta over an historic aqueduct starting from the Ghar Ilma site in Gozo, attracted the attention of hundreds of Skola Sajf students who toured the heritage site as part of a cultural visit, during the summer sessions.

Built in the 1880s, the aqueduct runs from Ghar Ilma cave in Santa Lucija to the Victoria Capuchin convent, where local administrators were determined to build an entrance way for visitors.

HSBC Bank Malta donated €5,700 towards the completion of the project, as part of the HSBC Malta Water Programme – Catch the Drop water conservation campaign.

HSBC Malta Water Programme coordinator Glenn Bugeja said, “HSBC Malta’s interest in the project lay in the fact that Ghar Ilma enjoys historic significance on a national level, and that opening access to it would bring about greater awareness among our children. We hope that by visiting Ghar Ilma children will develop a renewed sense of appreciation for water when they learn how our ancestors used to harvest water as a precious resource.”

Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo recently visited the site in the company of officials from Santa Lucija Administrative Council and HSBC Water Programme, who outlined the features of the site.

Student visits to Ghar Ilma was but one of a number of activities organised by HSBC Malta as part of Skola Sajf 2015.

Almost 700 Gozitan students participated in the Skola Sajf 2015 activities that were organised by the HSBC Water Programme – Catch the Drop campaign specifically for Gozo.

Photo: Young students from around Gozo visit completed Ghar Ilma site to journey back to the time of aqueducts and water canals

Permalink: Historic Ghar Ilma in Santa Lucija, Gozo revitalised with the help of HSBC