Mitħna Tax-Xarolla Suffers Damage As A Result Of Gale Force Winds In Malta
Intense gale-force winds have taken their toll on a prominent Maltese structure: the Mitħna Tax-Xarolla, a Maltese landmark in Zurrieq.
The winds battered the windmill over the course of the night and day, leading to a break in several areas, most notably the mill’s revolving blades.
Damage to the structure drew the attention of many, most notably Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, both of whom pledged to support the Zurrieq Local Council in repairing the structure.
“It’s always disappointing when national heritage sites suffer. What happened to the Mitħna Tax-Xarolla in Zurrieq fills us with sadness and disappointment. I commit myself to a new Nationalist Government giving all the necessary support to the local council to have it repaired immediately,” Grech said.
“This morning, I was told that the mill in Zurrieq suffered a great deal of damage due to the wind. It is an important historical heritage site and the Government will give all the necessary support to the Local Council to carry out repairs,” Abela said.
The mill was constructed in 1724 and is one of the eight Manoel Foundation mills built by Grandmaster Vilhena on land owned by the Order of St John.
It had undergone some restoration after its antennas were destroyed in a violent storm, following its abandonment.
The Civil Protection Unit was also seen on-site, removing any possible dangers to passers-by.
Did you witness other damage caused by the bad weather?