The authorities are still awaiting proposals from the developer of a private hospital on how best to preserve prehistoric tombs found on his site near Zejtun.
A number of rock-cut tombs were found on the site of the planned new Saint James Hospital last year.
Education and Culture Minister Dolores Cristina said the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had taken the necessary action to safeguard the find. Talks had been held with the developer and with Mepa on ways to preserve the tombs without hindering the development.
She said the Superintendence had not yet received the developer's proposals on preserving the site, although construction work has been stopped.