Portes des Bombes restoration work to cost Lm55,000

A huge banner bearing a full size print of Portes des Bombes at Floriana has been hung on the old structure to cover scaffolding during the restoration of what is the main gateway into Floriana and Valletta.

The banner, put in place in time for the fourth and last phase, which includes the conservation of the façade, was designed to soften the visual impact of the scaffolding.

The Lm55,000 restoration work, which started in September and is expected to be completed in March, will be temporarily suspended between December 13 and January 5 so that one of Malta's busiest stretches of road will be obstacle free for motorists driving into Valletta during Christmas and the new year.

The two archways of Portes des Bombes are closed during the restoration project - creating somewhat of a traffic hazard on the way out of Valletta - but will be re-opened during the suspension of works.

Portes des Bombes was itself the principal entrance to Floriana and was built together with the other fortifications in 1721 by Grand Master Ramon Perellos, whose coat of arms is shown at the top of what was essentially a gate.

The entrance has seen several modifications, made necessary by the gradual increase of traffic into Floriana and Valletta over the years.

In time the entire structure was completely cut off from the bastions to make room for a road to cope with the increasing volume of traffic.

The main inscription in Latin on Portes des Bombes, literally translated, reads 'For the comfort of the people'.

Resources and Infrastructure Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said when he visited the works yesterday that the restoration was being carried out in line with international conservation principles.

The work was entrusted to Agius Stoneworks Ltd which was awarded the contract following a call for tenders.

Work is being carried out in collaboration with the Restoration Section of the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry under the supervision of architect Mirielle Fsadni.

Dr Zammit Dimech said Lm9.4 million had been invested in such projects in the last five years.