When God created Earth, He gave a unique and distinctive particular beauty of nature to each and every place on earth. From dense forests to deserts, valleys and natural wonders. Animals – birds – seas with all its wonders and endless varieties.

Each to his own species with the human race being the supreme master of all.

Through the ages the human race evolved and left its own history of innovation, culture, monuments and progress. Each and every nation takes pride whenever new excavations reveal past glorious remains left by their ancestors.

We in the Maltese Islands are always enthralled whenever we discover the historical pasts of our ancestors.

Apart from this we have been blessed with so many wonderful locations, places and valleys.

As a nation we are becoming more conscious of our past and present history and discoveries.

Progress of Projects on the Major Island

Each and every one of us notices the numerous projects that are taking place across in the main island of Malta. Whilst in Gozo, although progress has and is being done, we are still a very long way from having what is really required to be implemented in order to have the same level of investments, especially on the historical side of things.

Dwejra Opportunity Fund Committee

During the last year of the Hon Dr. Justyne Caruana as Minister for Gozo, she nominated me, together with Mr Giovanni Zammit of Wirt Ghawdex, Dr Daphne Caruana Sant of Ggantija, Arch. Ms Attard representative of Gozo Ministry and Mr Louis Cordina from the Finance Ministry to chair this Committee. The Secretary was Mr Cordina from the Gozo Ministry.

During the one year of this tenure until resigning when the change of Ministries was made, the committee had achieved so much progress that the initiative of starting this project was imminent. The committee had settled how to proceed with meetings with both the Governmental and Church School Children with the collaboration of the Salesians Authorities for meetings to be held.

Mr Daniel Cilia had promised free of charge photography of all the historical sites in Gozo. This was to be done in a booklet form. Mr Elvin Scicluna promised to film the sites also free of charge. We also had agreed on pen drives illustrating the history of these sites, which were to be distributed to students and others.

Agreement was also reached with the University to inspect the still closed underground tunnels in St Augustine Church after getting permission from the Gozo Rector Fr Carmelo Schembri and the Rector in Malta for these excavations to be permitted. The St Augustine Convent was in fact the first convent to be built in Gozo.Mr Godwin Vella, another Gozitan working in the Heritage Department in Malta had also collated all or almost all, of the historical places in Gozo, both those in public hands and also those being private properties. Assistance was also sought from Fr Joseph Bezzina, Curator of Gozo History.

The Committee had the hope of those properties that can be acquired will be sought, those that had not hope of recoveries will have a Public Notice indicating the Historical Stories and Value of said Sites. In this way the General Public will be informed of where and what the Sites were from and the Historical History behind them.

Books were also in the Order, but had to be cancelled due to the change of Ministries in Gozo, which as protocol indicated all Members have to submit their resignations. I did as the norm indicated but sadly I was left out of the new committee.

Historical Places of National ImportanceAs I have said, great projects are being achieved in the Mainland of Malta. Gozo is also seeing some projects but I do state that these are only a very small proportion when one considers that Gozo is actually a third the size of Malta. Size does not matter that much but as far as the national projects are concerned, Gozo is very much left behind.

I will describe some places in Gozo that require immediate attention due to their deterioration and historical importance.

The major restoration work that had happened in Gozo under both administrations was that of the Cittadella. I am including a montage two photos showing the Citadel and how it was prior to and after the restorations. Just simply wonderful. A joy to behold.

Fort ChambrayThe Government still has the Chambray Bastion – the Polverista – Knights Hall and Infirmary under its responsibilities. These are in a disastrous state and do need immediate repairs. Expenditure evaluations have been made both by Wirt Ghawdex and also by an individual.

I have also have been bringing this issue to the fore for a long time, but sadly to no avail. It appears that all such appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Is their great historical importance not of interest to those responsible? Shall we Gozitans always be considered as 2nd class citizens?

The Trunciera in ZewwieqaOn the opposite site of Chambray there is what is called ‘The Trunciera.’ This consists of a defencive wall that was built to defend the Mgarr Harbour. (See photo), this wall had two stone cannons installed which can also be seen.

This site could easily be repaired with minimal cost by having the required material transported from a barge. Just imagine if this place is restored and reduced lighting is installed, Chambray also lighted, what astounding views one would have of Mgarr Harbour and Gozo when entering Gozo.

AqueductsOn the Ta’ Pinu Road we have the Aqueducts built by the British in order for water to be transported from Ghar Ilma to Victoria’s Sabina Square. Later water was also brought to Victoria from Xaghra. Parts of these Aqueducts have crumbled down and they are also in dire need of repairs.

Repairs or the planning of needed repairs was being sought by the Gozo Ministry, but all of a sudden everything appears to have been side-lined for these repairs. I ask Why? Do we have to wait for the complete crumbling before we cry wolf?

Ghar Gerduf and Ghar MixtaThese two Caves of historical value are both in Kercem. Ghar Gerduf was bought by the Gozo Ministry from the private sector. It appears that an issue cropped up between Government and the private individual regarding the frontage area. This dispute is still ongoing and needs to be urgently settled so that proper restorations can be carried out.Ghar Mixta is said to be were the first people used to live in Gozo, this cave is also in private hands but isn’t given any importance by the owners. This can also be acquired by direct talks between the Government and the owners.

The Punic TempleThis Punic Temple is in the Kercem/San Lawrenz area, it is said that there are only 3 Punic temples, one in Gozo, another in Sicily and another in Tunis. Lights were displayed from these places to guide sailors in their gurneys. Excavation research was done by a young Italian Lady in the 60’s or 70’s and left at that. There is a cave with four niches with one of these holding the Statute of Gunone, this statute was stolen but later returned by confessional secret.

This statute was donated by the private owner on the agreement that it stays at the Gozo Museum.

Personally I had started initial discussions with the owner for the authorities to buy this site back. The owner was willing to negotiate as long as all the land surrounding this cave is also bought by Government.

I still feel that this issue to be continued.

A Strange Archaeological FindExactly in front of the Citadel Church a strange oval shape of stones were found. Nobody till now knows what it exactly is. I took a photo of it whilst this was still uncovered. Sadly this find was reburied once again as it was stated that the stones will be eroded by the elements in the future.

My simple question is this. Why cover it up due to its erosion in about a hundred years’ time when nobody can see and treasure this find during these 100 years?

What good or value will this find have if covered and nobody can see or appreciate it?

We should appreciate all that we have during our lives and not when we are long gone.

The Valleys of GozoThe Gozo Emblem is that made of the Three Hills. Why? Because from whichever point one looks from, one always can view three hills. These hills are graced by natural valleys all over Gozo. In almost each and every Village one can view these valleys that enhance the place.

Our Islands are using the underground system for getting our drinking water from. Farmers and other businesses are also using this same water supply for their daily needs. This fact is causing the underground system of fresh water to diminish and get lower toward the salt water level, when this is reached the fresh water will be contaminated by sea water and therefore no good for anyone.

The Authorities have known of this issue for many long years and although warnings and official notices have been issued, this practice by many individuals is still happening.

In solving this issue the system needs to be urgently replenished with more excess water percolating into the underground water system.

My suggestion to the Authorities is this. If these Valleys that we so much enjoy will have “Staggered Dams” installed, the water in these dams will be used by the farmers and others, apart from percolating into our natural underground water system.

It’s a win, win system. Apart from the fact that not much financial investments are needed as we already have these natural blessed valleys.

Lino DeBono

All but the top photo were supplied by the author – Top photo by Alain Salvary and below Godwin Vella’s places of historical value or of interests; Citadel source unknown; Fort Chambray and the Trunciera photos by Daniel Cilia; Aqueduct by the author; Ghar Gerduf and Ghar Mixta source unknown; Punic Temple and Archaeological Find at the Citadel photos by the author; Xlendi Valley source unknow

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