An archaeological survey in connection with the Santa Luċija tunnel project has prompted complaints by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage on grounds it was carried out without its consent.
The superintendence has also expressed concern that a building earmarked for demolition could have cultural value. However, the heritage watchdog did not object to the project in view of its “urgency”. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage made its comments in a letter it sent to the Planning Authority a few days ago.
Unveiled last September, the €20 million project that comprises a new underpass and the widening of Vjal Santa Luċija, known as Addolorata Hill, is meant to complement the new multi-level junction being constructed further down the road in Marsa. The planning watchdog has still to decide on the project.
It transpires that, in June, the superintendence had drawn the attention of Transport Malta to the fact that the extensive development was in an area described as “archaeologically very sensitive” as it was equidistant from Tarxien Temples and Santa Luċija Hypogeum.
Transport Malta was reminded that such application required an archaeological survey along certain tracts, which had to be carried out by the superintendence itself.
The heritage watchdog raised the issue for the second time on July 25, again calling on the transport regulator, which is the developer behind the project, to communicate with it to expedite the survey.
In a third letter, dated August 13, the superintendence expressed its disappointment and surprise after learning that a geo-radar survey had been carried out.
It noted with “concern that such exploration for potential archaeological remains required prior authorisation from the superintendence in keeping with the Cultural Heritage Act”. It noted that such requirement had been communicated verbally to Transport Malta “but the exploration had proceeded nevertheless”.
Consequently, the survey was done without having access to information on the nearest archaeological features, which, in turn, could have facilitated the identification of any potential findings, the PA was told.
The superintendence also expressed disappointment that, apart from a text message sent by the Transport Malta chairman, it had not been furnished with the survey results.
In view of this, the heritage watchdog declared it was not in a position to make any recommendation to safeguard any potential remains. It expressed concern that one of the structures proposed for demolition, located closed to the Santa Luċija roundabout, might have cultural value.
It requested further information in the form of photographic evidence of the structure.
Despite flagging the shortcomings, the superintendence felt it could not object to the project, which was part of a larger road network scheme, on grounds of its “importance and urgency”.
However, it made a series of recommendations. Apart from constant monitoring of work by an archaeologist under its direct supervision, the superintendence is demanding a works method statement and a programme of works.
It is also insisting that any remains unearthed during all stages of development be thoroughly investigated but left protected in situ.
More importantly, the superintendence made it clear that, in line with its remit to safeguard archaeological remains in the country, it would reserve the right to ask for modifications of plans if need be.