Design of Barrakka lift runs into problems

Mepa has expressed surprise at criticism by Transport Minister Austin Gatt over the time it is taking for the Authority to issue a permit for the building of a new Barrakka lift.

A spokesman told The Sunday Times that everyone agreed in principle on the transport benefits the lift would bring.

However the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage was concerned about the design. So too was the superintendent for fortifications.

"As Mepa, we are doing our utmost in the best interests of heritage to find the best design. This is a relatively huge structure and it is fundamental that if in 20 years time it has to be removed, this can be done without damaging the bastions of a Unesco World Heritage Site," the spokesman said.

Anthony Pace, Superintendent for Cultural Heritage, said the superintendence was not too sure whether the design was appropriate.

Of particular concern were the huge footprint, volume and impact it would have on the ditch and its high visibility, especially from across the harbour.

He said the parties involved were looking at finding a design that did not jeopardise the value of Valletta.

In March last year, Dr Gatt has said the €2m project would be completed in March 2011.