Demolition of farmhouse in Ġgantija buffer zone is 'disgusting' - NGO

The destruction of a 'fine heritage building' to be replaced by a large block of apartments within the Ġgantija buffer zone is disgusting, environment NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said on Sunday. 

Times of Malta reported on Saturday that a developer had started to demolish an old farmhouse to make way for apartments. 

This planning application was hotly contested by FAA and other NGOs in 2022-23, due to the potential destruction of archaeological remains. UNESCO had finally weighed in, calling for a Heritage Impact Assessment to be carried out to settle the matter, the NGO recalled.

The study found that Ġgantija has an advantage over other Maltese temple sites as it is “experienced within one of the most open immediate settings, and gains value from the relative tranquillity of its setting, which … remained relatively unchanged since prehistoric times.”

The report also warned that proposed development would present a change within this environment.

The Heritage Impact Assessor still approved the demolition of the old farmhouse.

The FAA said he wrongly dated this vernacular building of unusual refinement and features, to the middle of the 20th century, when maps at the National Archive showed it to be much older. The British assessor then claimed it had no heritage value because of later additions, seemingly ignorant of the fact that authentic Maltese farmhouses always grew organically, the NGO added.

"Shockingly, in spite of over 1,800 objectors and many NGOs seeking to protect the Ġgantija Buffer Zone, save potential archaeological remains and save this built heritage, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, approved this development - when it is known to block small projects for minor shortcomings," the FAA said.

It also noted that the condition “provided no rock excavation is carried out and that works are monitored by an archaeologist” is not recorded in the permit.

"The Heritage Assessment made it clear that its remit was the impact on Ġgantija Temples. However, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, in charge of the protection of all Maltese cultural heritage, has proved itself increasingly responsible for the destruction of our identity - one building at a time."

Another heritage NGO, Din l-Art Ħelwa, also condemned the demolition of the farmhouse.

It said late on Saturday that it was profoundly disappointed and concerned at the destruction of a beautiful vernacular farmhouse that formed part of the island’s architectural and cultural heritage and which deserved preservation in its own right.

"This loss is also particularly regrettable not only because of the farmhouse’s age, character and architectural significance, but also because of its location within the supposedly protected UNESCO buffer zone of Ggantija Temples. This traditional rural farmhouse was a significant element of the setting and surroundings of the temples."

"Each demolition represents a permanent loss to the nation’s cultural patrimony and further erodes the distinctive character that makes our islands unique. Cheap-looking, soulless imitations and reconstructions are no substitute for authentic historic fabric," Din l-Art Ħelwa said.