Oil service firm supports tower restoration job

Medserv, the oil services company, will be financially supporting Din l-Art Ħelwa with its Xlendi tower restoration project as part of its corporate social responsibility.

"We wanted to be associated with an independent organisation that is working across the country in the field of protection of heritage. Din l-Art Ħelwa was an obvious choice," company chairman Anthony Diacono said. The tower's restoration is a joint venture between DLĦ and Munxar local council and expenses will be equally shared. Work should start in a few months and completion is expected in about three years.

The tower was built in 1650 during the reign of Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris. It is the oldest free-standing coastal watchtower in Gozo. Its main purpose was to deny entrance and the use of Xlendi Bay by smugglers, pirates and evaders of quarantine.

DLĦ depends on donations and sponsors to carry out its restoration projects. Corporate sponsorships account for a large percentage of the NGO's income. Medserv is the only sponsor contributing to the Xlendi tower project.