There are parts in one of the largest surface areas in the Maltese archipelago, the Rabat-Dingli uplands, that are still unknown even to scholars experts in its history, such as Mgr John Azzopardi.
Mgr Azzopardi, curator of Wignacourt Museum and a former curator of the Mdina Cathedral Museum for 24 years, admits he was surprised to read about several places unknown to him in the latest book by Pauline Dingli: Discover Rabat, Mdina And Exceptional Outskirts. He mentions as examples the underground flour mills, Villa Psaignon, Chateau Bertrand and others and notes that the book also features places "not commonly known to many, as Is-Simblija, the dilapidated church of Ta' Xewka, the former country villa of the Bishops of Malta, the Inquisitors' country villa and the Grand Masters' summer abode".
In her first work, Rabat: Discover Historic Treasures, Mystic Legends, Culture And Folkore, Ms Dingli mainly dealt with architecture, streets and religious-related treasures. This time, she focuses on what she terms as "the openness of the countryside and the hidden features of the rural areas where curiosities and surprises do not cease".
The author is very satisfied with the response to the first book, particularly from historians, residents and the local council. "Assets" were pointed out to her after the first book was published even if they were not new to her and were, in fact, either planned for the second volume or had to be removed due to space reasons. A case in point was a marble plaque naming the victims of an aviation tragedy that had occurred close to the primary school. The accident is still related by many today, due to its proximity to the school, where every family of Rabat had two or more children on the premises. For the record, not a single student was injured but the headmaster and several others in the street opposite died.
Her works are more than a labour of love to Ms Dingli. "Raising awareness will save the cultural heritage," she says. Until a few years ago, she is quick to add, the garrigue was referred to as wasteland by the Agriculture Department but now it is protected because the department realised it forms part of the natural heritage. She also remarks that before she submitted her dissertation on the historical and cultural value of the salt pans the sites were treated as the most ideal location for coastal development. After her dissertation, some of the sites were scheduled by Mepa. "Much more needs to be done."
Ms Dingli believes that every locality should engage in awareness-raising initiatives. However, awareness should be the initial stage in a long-term planning process that leads to the ultimate sustainability of a locality. She notes that quite a few mayors and councillors in various localities are strangers in their own locality even if they are in a position to make decisions that could affect a cultural asset permanently.
Yet, one must be very careful what attractions to publicise, Ms Dingli argues. Only those sites that are "adequately presented" should be promoted.
In the case of the area she writes about, Ms Dingli says that one site that is a must to visit is Wignacourt Museum, which, she believes, has not yet been discovered by many locals let alone foreigners.
Rabat, she notes, yielded several archaeological remains, many of which are not exhibited in the locality. Furthermore, some important finds, like the Egyptian sarcophagus, is not exhibited anywhere and Ms Dingli would like to see it displayed at the Wignacourt Museum or in some other public place. If this is impossible, a replica could take its place.
She makes another point about heritage/cultural treasures: "Over the past years, working on the tourism product with the Malta Tourism Authority, I came across a number of private collections or museums that are hidden and that merit more support and awareness."
It is a known fact that Malta does not have the necessary funds to maintain all historical assets that are government owned let alone those belonging to private individuals or bodies. In view of this, Ms Dingli suggests that the government should consider holding an annual hobbies/collections or works of art and craft competition, with cash prizes being given to the best exhibits. This, she feels, will encourage the exposure of good quality items.
In her research, Ms Dingli came across both the good and, of course, the ugly in the form of areas/sites that are neglected and beyond repair/refurbishment.
The dispensary in Mtarfa and the underground emergency mills of Buskett are "in a pitiable state". They were burned down and are now closed and beyond repair. In addition, there are also sites "in desperate need of restoration". These, she says, are quite a few and include Casino Notabile in Saqqajja, the Chadwick Lakes and Mdina's wash house.
The number of tourists who visit the centre of Rabat, Ms Dingli points out, puts an added burden on the running of the place. A way could be found whereby money donated by tourists could be used to help enhance the services being offered to tourists themselves, say by opening a much-needed decent public convenience.
There does not seem to be enough encouragement, whether financial or otherwise, for people to engage in initiatives similar to those embarked upon by Ms Dingli. "Such works require enormous sacrifices that will never be rewarded financially. I was lucky that my work was part-sponsored by the local council and by the Malta Tourism Authority that, together, eased the costs and made publishing possible.
Indeed, Ms Dingli is very satisfied that the Rabat local council was not only interested in her project but also acted to save cultural heritage and ensure a sustainable future. "Certain decisions regarding the environment provide challenges and need courage to implement," Ms Dingli notes.