Cracks In A 17th Century Mosta Chapel: PN Youths Condemn Approval Of Nearby Apartment Complex
After cracks appeared in a 17th century chapel in Mosta, the Team Start youth section of the Nationalist Party lashed out at the Planning Authority for approving the development of a nearby apartment complex.
“Despite the authorities continuously boasting that they only care about economic growth, we are unfortunately witnessing a lack of consideration and awareness for Malta’s impressive heritage,” Team Start said in a statement. “This is thanks to the egoism of the government, which wants to control the PA and consequently erode the heritage our forefathers have left us.”
The Planning Authority approved the conversion of a terraced house in Triq Tal-Qares into an apartment complex last April, overruling a recommendation by its own case officer that the project should be refused. The Church and environmental NGOs have repeatedly warned that the project risks damaging the nearby St Andrew’s chapel, which was built in the 17th century to cater for a local farming community.
Last week, Times of Malta published a photo of cracks that appeared in the walls of the chapel shortly after excavation works began.
“Once again, the system has allowed the will of the few to triumph over the right of the many to enjoy our patrimony,” Team Start, which is composed of youths younger than 18, said. “We youths believe in defending our heritage from greed. While economic progress is essential to every society, this should go hand in hand with continuously safeguarding everything our country was built on.”
“Youths must shoulder the burden of all of these rushed and egotistical decisions, which is why we condemn this lack of vision by the authorities. It is the right of every Maltese person to enjoy and treasure that which their ancestors left us and it is our duty to make our voices heard whenever our cultural heritage is under threat.”
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