We are seeking the public’s support to appeal against the approval of PA/1640/20, which involves the relocation of a historic rural watchtower to make way for an unnecessary new road.

We need the public’s help to cover the expenses needed to pursue this legal battle to challenge the Planning Authority’s decision.

The public can contribute to the expenses of the appeal online via the following link:
https://marsaxlokkheritage.com/save-barumbara

Or

by scanning the QR code in the poster.

Or

via a bank transfer:
Bank: BOV
Account name: Marsaxlokk Heritage
IBAN: MT66VALL22013000000050019378113.

If this decision is not overturned, the new road will pave the way to further development in the fields situated in this area, causing irreversible environmental damage. The decision threatens a unique structure dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John and undocumented wartime shelters beneath the site. No archaeological survey has been carried out on this historical heritage. The road will pass through untouched agricultural land, permanently removing a well-used pedestrian and rural route between Triq Lepanto and Triq it-Torri, and disrupting the natural environment. The area is home to protected wildlife, and the presence of a well, reeds, and an olive tree near the barumbara suggests that there may be an underground reservoir, but no hydrological or ecological studies have been submitted.

Truly worrying is the fact that if the dismantling fails, the only safeguard is a bank guarantee of just €7,000 which is far too low for such a sensitive and high-risk intervention. We strongly believe infrastructure should not come at the cost of Malta’s cultural, environmental and agricultural heritage, or the community’s well-being.”