Deal to co-manage mediaeval site

The mediaeval site at is-Simblija, limits of Dingli, is to be co-managed by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure.

The site comprises a mediaeval church, a mill, the ruins of a kitchen and an open space.

An agreement between the two parties sets out their roles and responsibilities in the upkeep and surveillance of the areas rehabilitated and established as sites of cultural interest.

"Our duty is now to cultivate this site in the best possible way not only by treasuring it in the best interests of education, tourism and other sectors, but by leaving it to posterity," Resources and Infrastructure Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said.

He was speaking at the site where he launched a book entitled A Study of Landscape and Irrigation Systems at Is-Simblija, limits of Dingli, written by Paul Saliba, Joseph Magro Conti and Claude Borg.

The book is part of a series of five volumes being published by those countries who took part in the Aramis project, which focuses on Arab irrigation systems in the Mediterranean basin. The project forms part of the Raphael Programme and was partially funded by the European Commission.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the four-year project involved the conservation of the site and an intensive study of water management used under Arab rule.

The Restoration Unit, together with other entities, is also preparing proposals for the research and conservation of the site known as Ghar il-Kbir in the limits of Rabat, for participation in the EU's Sixth Framework Programme.