The Restoration Department is about to embark on the second phase of a project to bring the Great Siege monument back to its former glory, according to the minister responsible for culture.

Responding to a parliamentary question by MP Byron Camilleri, Justice and Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said the first phase took three weeks and involved cleaning the base, removing wax and oil stains, grouting and repairing worn areas. The bronze statues were also cleaned.

This work cost €1,600.

He said that the next phase would involve improvements to the lighting and to the paving around the monument.

The monument has been a major source of contention between the government and activists who use the monument area as the focus for their fight for justice following the assassination of blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia. The site has been decked with flowers, photos and candles over a dozen times, and cleared as often.

Activists argue that the works were merely an excuse to clear up the memorial to Caruana Galizia and hardly any work was done since hoarding was put up.

During the restoration, a banner was put up around the monument depicting the statues, which was covered up on the anniversary of the murder by one showing Ms Caruana Galizia. This too was removed.