Protection of wartime shelters

The concern of Sergio and Doreen Galea Vincenti for the protection of wartime shelters as expressed in their letter (September 1) is quite justified. Indeed, the policy of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is that such wartime heritage assets must be protected across the Maltese islands. With mounting pressure by developers wishing to exploit plots to their maximum, applications for rock-cutting are a special cause for concern.

The importance of wartime shelters must not be underestimated. Their role in saving the lives of hundreds of Maltese is still very much a part of our national consciousness. The images of families living there for days on end during enemy bombing sprees are still very much ingrained in our collective memory. This communal experience was instrumental in forging part of our national identity.

The position of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is that wartime shelters are a valid and significant cultural heritage asset, not merely because of their antiquity but also because of their undeniable association with a very important event in the recent history of these islands. Wartime shelters are also protected in terms of the Cultural Heritage Act.

Since its establishment, the Superintendence has intervened a number of times to protect and ensure the preservation of wartime shelters in various localities. The most recent events include interventions in Gzira, Mtarfa and also Victoria.

With regard to the shelter in Hamrun, noted in Mr and Dr Galea Vincenti's letter, the Superintendence had intervened in October 2003, when its attention was first drawn to the feature. At the time, the Superintendence had inspected the accessible part of the shelter and had noted its cultural heritage significance.

Aware that an application had been lodged for development on the site, the Superintendence had communicated its findings and position to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. The Superintendence had stressed the significant value of the shelter as a heritage asset protected by Maltese legislation. The Superintendence gave a clear ruling against Mepa approving development that would harm this historic feature.

Following a communication from Mr and Dr Galea Vincenti, the Superintendence was made aware that the development of the site has in fact been approved by Mepa's Development Control Commission. At the time of writing, the Superintendence is awaiting details of this development from Mepa so it may correctly assess if this development poses a threat to the shelter.