Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Property Market Chris Agius visited the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa, where extensive restoration works are currently underway by the Works and Infrastructure Department. The department is responsible for the embellishment, cleansing, restoration and conservation works on this monument, forming part of just one of over 30 projects it is currently being carried out around the country.
“This monument, which dominates this square, commemorates one of the most important days and achievements in Malta’s history, 31st March 1979.” This is how Minister Ian Borg began his speech, while he went on to explain how the Prime Minister at the time, Dom Mintoff, had specific instructions for sculptor Antonio Agius so that every element making up this monument is symbolic of this crucial moment for our country.
Minister Borg described the diversity of works currently being implemented, and said that this is a characteristic which often describes the work and skills of these dedicated workers. In the case of the Freedom Monument, ongoing works include pruning and other necessary works on trees and vegetation, where around 164 cubic metres of invasive material have already been removed; cleaning of the monument’s surroundings; restoration of the flag mast; repair works on the paved road leading to the monument; scratching off, cleaning and repainting of the metal railing around the monument and the words around the monument’s hill; repairs and embellishment of the monument’s lighting system; and the complete refurbishment of the utility room underneath it. The minister added that treatment for the conservation of the monument’s four bronze figures is also being carried out. He said that this project, which started last October, is expected to be completed by the 40th Anniversary of Freedom Day at the end of this month.
“In this case, we are witnessing work which is not only synonymous with benefits for the Vittoriosa community but which is also culturally and politically important for our country. This is work which reminds us what a strong people we are, how our country is one that has always worked to retain its unique identity – an identity which is synonymous with hard-working people, courageous people and people that are proud of their identity. This government is committed to continue working hard so that our country remains the best country that gives its people a better quality of life. As minister responsible for infrastructure amongst other work, I am committed to continue working so that important monuments like this one are given the attention they truly deserve”, concluded Minister Borg.
From his end, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said that, “we are witnessing work being done by this ministry which will mean a lot to the Vittoriosa community and others from the area, where I myself come from, because these people are proud of this monument which commemorates such an important occasion in our country’s history. The work of this department, including work on culverts, work on public spaces and work on sport facilities, directly affects the country’s communities, the country’s people – and this can be seen in the wider work of the ministry and of the government, which both work tirelessly to ensure that the people’s quality of life is always improving”.
