Comino Tower restored in time for DLH anniversary

Major restoration works at Santa Maria Tower on Comino were formally concluded yesterday with the raising of a Din l-Art Helwa (DLH) flag.

The five-year restoration project of the 17th century tower was DLH's most ambitious project and was completed in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this non-governmental organisation, set up on July 9, 1965.

"As a building this tower dominates Comino. It is a spectacular site and, in my opinion, one of the best landmarks in Malta combining history, nature and the sea in one shot," DLH executive president Martin Galea said. "Din l-Art Helwa is privileged to hold it in trust for the nation."

He was speaking during an inauguration ceremony on the roof of the tower, with the Mediterranean Sea as his backdrop.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, chairman of the Vodafone Foundation (which sponsored a great portion of the project) then hoisted the DLH flag bearing the motto Vigilo (I watch).

In a brief address Dr Zammit Dimech congratulated DLH for yet another "wonderful feat" for the organisation and for the nation.

Mrs Mifsud Bonnici announced that Vodafone was to donate another Lm9,000, bring the total to Lm24,000 for the project to be fully completed.

The Lm70,000 project was carried out in two phases. The first three-year phase, which involved the restoration of the tower's exterior, was sponsored by the Malta Maritime Authority, which donated Lm15,000.

The south side of the podium had several missing stones and the low rubble wall surrounding the tower was a pile of stones.

Stones found on site were used to reconstruct the damaged parts of the tower and low wall whenever possible. New stones were also needed and specially quarried stone brought over from Gozo was used.

The second phase of the project dealt with the tower's interior and was funded by Vodafone. The 135-foot tower was stripped of additions made by the military and civilian watchmen who occupied it. Concrete covered walls were stripped to their original stone and missing stones replaced.

Stairs and railings to the roof and basement were made safe, wiring was also made safer, new lighting was fixed to illuminate the internal walls and rudimentary toilet facilities were upgraded.

Dutch engineer Hans Nie, a volunteer who co-ordinated the project with Maltese project manager Joe Borg, explained that one of the greatest problems faced throughout the project was a logistical one.

Due to the location of the tower, material and equipment had to be carried to Comino by boat and manhandled. For this reason very careful planning was necessary.

Looking back at the "dilapidated state" in which the tower was five years ago, Mr Nie said he was very satisfied with results. "I am very proud of what we've done, considering the size of the project," he said when speaking to reporters.

"The main message, considering the great effort put into restoring the tower, is a request to the people to enjoy the tower and maintain it well so that it may be part of Comino for many years to come," he said, adding: "The preservation is important and, now that the tower may be open to the public, the entrance fee can go towards such preservation."

Mr Borg regretfully recalled moments during the five-year restoration period of the tower when vandals somehow made it to the site and broke pipes, destroyed signs and even tampered with scaffolding.

DLH said it is hoping to find teams of volunteers to man the tower during the summer months and asked anyone interested to contact the organisation on 2122-0358.