Talks on War Museum security, use of Fort St Elmo

Heritage Malta is holding talks with the National War Museum Association on improving security at the War Museum in Lower Fort St Elmo following the recent arson of a section of the museum housing archives, Arts and Culture Minister Jesmond Mugliett said in parliament yesterday.

He said he had also held talks with various government departments and it was hoped action would be taken soon on the use of the fort.

Replying to parliamentary questions by Dr Jose' Herrera (MLP) on security at heritage sites, Mr Mugliett said Heritage Malta was committed to improving security at the sites for which it was responsible, in a professional and strategic manner.

He said boundary walls and fences were being strengthened at various sites and a substation and a generator had been installed near Mnajdra and Hagar Qim so that both sites may be lit. A warden system has been introduced at Skorba, Borg in-Nadur, Ghajn Tuffieha, Tas-Silg and Ta' Hagrat while museums were using private security services.

In another question Dr Herrera observed that Fort St Elmo was in a dilapidated state, with squatters using part of that historic building and even raising animals there. He asked what the government intended doing to remedy the situation.

Mr Mugliett said it was shameful that while Malta boasted of its many historic sites, Fort St Elmo was not being used as it should.

He said Upper Fort St Elmo was being used by the Police Academy and there was therefore an organisation which was responsible for the maintenance of that part of the fort.

There was no specific use for Lower Fort St Elmo other than the parts used by the carnival float builders. It was also known that some squatters were using the building.

Mr Mugliett said he had had talks with government departments on immediate actions which could be taken about the fort and its use. It was hoped that some form of action could be taken in the near future.

Mr Mugliett said he appreciated the Labour MP's comments on the need for action, and he hoped that once action were taken, it would find everybody's agreement and support.