Unesco reminds government of obligations

Unesco has reminded the government of its obligations in relation to the Mnajdra prehistoric temple, a World Heritage Site close to which temporary engineered landfills are being planned.

In a letter to Victor Licari, the head of Malta's permanent delegation to Unesco, the director of Unesco's World Heritage Centre said that Malta was obliged to inform the centre before undertaking or authorising major restoration or construction which may affect world heritage property.

The government also had the responsibility to prevent irreversible damage to such a property and to ensure its universal value and integrity are fully preserved, wrote the centre's director, Francesco Bandarini.

Mr Bandarini asked for Mr Licari's comments on the issue and said he would be informing ICOMOS, the International Council of Monuments and Sites.

Unesco had been alerted to the government's plans to build two temporary landfills near the temple by the Qrendi council, which made the letter public yesterday.

The government intends dumping domestic waste into the quarries near Mnajdra for two years, until another engineered landfill in Ghallis, designed to replace Maghtab, can start being used.

The plan, which has raised a storm of controversy, is subject to approval by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The prime minister yesterday pledged to respect planning laws in respect of the landfills.