The decline of aesthetics

Malta's artistic and architectural heritage in stone is a testimony of good aesthetics that has drawn many admirers and visitors from all over the world. On the other hand, in the last decade or so, parts of Malta have been ravaged by constructions of an appalling aesthetic form that reflects declining cultural standards.

A latest example is the hideous concrete structure built by the Works Division along the coast of Bugibba. This is supposedly a staircase that rises like a sore thumb in the middle of a natural sea cliff (perhaps destined to become another unofficial malodorous urinal?). The government architect/s that came up with such an idea should have no say in the way we care for our country's heritage.

Plans for overbearing modern constructions are now allowed by the government to invade our unique cultural heritage. The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Francis Zammit Dimech has announced a proposal for a tent-like structure that would cover the Hagar Qim prehistoric temple. A jury led by an architect and former Director-General of the Works Division has approved the designs of this tent.

The construction of such an ultra-modern, glass-house type of "tent" over Hagar Qim temple is offensive to the aesthetics of the temple and mars its breathtaking location. Indeed, the temple's magnificent location was intended to be part of the original builders' scheme, which seems to be linked to astronomical events.

Had there been a similar "tent" proposal to cover up Stonehenge prehistoric temples, British NGOs and the National Trust would have been in uproar! Such a structure would have also been unimaginable over the Acropolis in Athens.

Locally, NGOs and other entities set up by the government to protect our heritage prefer to remain silent or indifferent to this proposal rather then contend with this "tent". Once again, as happened with the government's abominable proposal for a landfill at Mnajdra, Labour will be among the first to voice its concern.

The proponents of the "tent" argue that it will protect the stones of the temple. Even if this were true, one has to remember that these megaliths have survived the elements for over 5,000 years. What overall positive effect, if not ephemeral, can a tent with a life-span of possibly 40 or 50 years have over these megaliths which have endured for thousands of years?

It is likely that this tent structure will have a negative effect on the physical condition of the megaliths. Presumably, the structure is mainly intended to stop rainwater from washing the megaliths. Fortunately, acid rain is not a concern at Hagar Qim. However, I am informed that salt crystallisation leading to weathering of the stone is a major problem at the temple. In such cases, rainwater has a beneficial effect of washing away harmful salts from the stone surface. Once the "tent" is in place, salts will keep on accumulating and magnify their destructive forces on the stone.

The "tent" will also create a dangerous microclimate effect. It will constrain ventilation and increase temperature which, in the presence of many visitors, will lead to a local increase in humidity, carbon dioxide and other chemicals, forming a dangerous cocktail of substances that is harmful when in contact with these ancient limestones!

Despite all the odds, we may expect the PN government to defend its "tent" proposal by claiming that it is approved by experts. But we should not forget that the government had also insisted that its proposal for a landfill at Mnajdra was also approved by "experts"!

Rather than repent from its abominable landfill proposal, the PN and its small circle of friends have now conjured up this "tent" of contention which will only benefit a few. We may expect more surprises in other areas (surprisingly, the "expert" leader of the Mnajdra landfill report is now heading the Dwejra park project. Alas, for Gozo!).

Ultimately, the landfill and the "tent" proposals surrounding our unique cultural heritage reflects a problem of sensitivity and priorities in the cultural sector, which have to be reviewed. There is also a need to bring culture and the artistic treasures of the past closer to common people. Such a mission requires funding and persistence, for results are never immediate.

As Labour's main spokesman for education, youth and culture, I am therefore grieved to hear that Minister Austin Gatt will be closing down FM Bronja, Malta's only cultural radio station. Dr Gatt justifies his decision by claiming that this radio station has a limited audience. If this were true, Dr Gatt should seek the sacking of the Culture Minister for failing to raise cultural awareness in this country. Instead, Dr Gatt will aggravate matters by closing a radio station with a mission for cultural broadcasting and schooling of people in classical music.

Arguments that defend acts that stunt our nation's cultural development seem to stem from ideologies elicited in Mein Kampf, that regresses society to a barbarous state. Dr Gatt's dangerous pretext used against FM Bronja may spiral to extend to other sectors. Should we now expect the state to close down its schools on the pretext that the level of literacy among school-leavers is decreasing? Perhaps, when that is fulfilled we may then be in a position to appreciate the type of evening "entertainment" we were offered on state television on May 1.

Labour will resist acts of barbarism on our cultural heritage and acts which detract people from cultural appreciation. We expect those with responsibility and intellect to voice their concern about the current situation or else be condemned to a bland wilderness which is engulfing everywhere.

Mr Abela MP is the Labour Party's spokesman for education, youth and culture.