Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) refers to the article “Valletta’s Casa Lanfreducci is no Burial Ground” issued on the 14th January 2011 in which the Ministry of Infrastructure denied that the house had been built on “some burial grounds”. Far from being ‘romantic speculation’ on FAA’s part, as alleged by the Ministry, the facts bear out FAA’s claim that the crypt of Our Lady of Victory originally extended horizontally beneath Casa Lanfreducci.
FAA’s concern about a burial ground being converted to changing facilities is shown to be correct by photographic proof in FAA’s possession, showing several boxes of human bones which had been exhumed from the Lanfreducci basement-crypt and piled in boxes in the same basement. Forensic tests which had been carried out show that these remains date back to the time of the Great Siege. It is of concern that the boxes containing the bones are no longer on site. In its press release the Ministry maintained that “in the unlikely event that anything specific is found”, it would respect the normal legal process. This “unlikely event” already materialised some time ago with the discovery of the human remains.
How can the Ministry defend its use of this place for toilets on the grounds that the basement is not yet scheduled? The character of this marvel of vernacular architecture with its complex and possibly unique system of vaulting and drains will surely be negatively impacted by the installation of showers and toilets in this underground structure.
With this proof in hand, proof which is available to several others including the Ministry concerned as well the Prime Minister, the proposal to use this site as changing facilities for the “open-air performance space” should never have even been proposed let alone considered for inclusion in a planning application. FAA felt obliged to bring this matter to the attention of the general public as well as to the authorities whose duty it is to safeguard Malta’s heritage. FAA can no longer be accused of being “flatly wrong”.
What is definitely flatly wrong is the manner in which grandiose projects are embarked upon without thorough prior studies of the actual site and the surrounding area on which the project will have a major impact. Such studies are essential to ensure that in the race to launch new projects, the heritage which has shaped our culture is not destroyed forever.
FAA trusts that the Ministry will respect the dignity of the site and would welcome the correct use for cultural purposes of such an important site and looks forward to its proper evaluation and eventual rehabilitation. FAA recommends that the basement is returned to the Malta Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to restore the site up to museum standards, giving access to the public, surely a win-win solution for all.
