Restoration works on the Emvin Cremona paintings on the vault of the south transept at Balzan parish church are in progress.

The parish priest, Fr Kalċidon Vassallo, has appealed to parishioners to help raise funds for the project, which is estimated to cost around €50,000. I am sure that the people of Balzan will respond generously.

However, many people in Balzan believe that the damage to these canvases which, according to the brochure by Fr Vassallo, are progressively getting detached from the vault surface, could be the result of the artificial dry air emitted throughout the summer months from the air-conditioning system, which was installed in the church in 2004.

This belief has been strengthened by the fact that similar damage has already been caused to the vault paintings of the north transept, resulting in the serious incident which happened during festa week in 2006.

I think it is very appropriate that the parish priest, or preferably Curia authorities, who after all had given the go-ahead for the installation of the air-conditioning system, issue a statement to dispel any fears and suspicions that the parishioners may have. Such a statement will surely encourage parishioners to be more generous in their donations knowing that they will be investing in a project that will last longer.