The Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, George Pullicino, together with the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, recently visited the Gozo Citadel to look over the documentation that is being undertaken in preparation for the restoration and consolidation of the fragile rocks beneath the Citadel.

The work involves the preparation of detailed models and virtual 3-D to highlight the faults. This work is being done by an Italian company, Consorzio Ferrara Ricerche, following an issue of public tenders. The work is being supervised by the architects of the Restoration Unit within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

This project makes use of the very latest advanced technology with high precision laser scanners.

Work on the project is expected to commence after all the preparations are completed. 85% of the cost of the project is funded with the help of the European Union under the European Fund for Regional Development (2007-2013) – Investing in your future.

Over the past year a masterplan of the Citadel has been started which is co-financed by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area, which are also contributing to the countries of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The aim of the masterplan is to address aspects of tourism and facilities for visitors, the use of land, economic and social aspects, traffic management, infrastructure and services and proposals for better management and leadership . This study is being undertaken by the Italian company Politecnica Ingegneria e Architettura after the issue of public tenders. A number of experts both local and Italian are making a contribution to this study.

The projects are being co-ordinated by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo

Permalink: Preparation begins for restoration work at the Citadel