Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for Lands and Construction Chris Agius inaugurated the art in public space project in Cospicua. It consists of the building of Id-Dgħajsa tar-Riħ and the restoration of the War Memorial Monument and its fountain, with the project’s work being carried out by the Public Works department.
Minister Ian Borg said, “It is of great satisfaction for us to continue investing in these types of projects which, apart from recalling our island’s historical moments, also provide a better quality of life for the people, in both cultural and educational terms. This is all thanks to the Public Works department. This project showcases once again the government’s constant commitment towards preserving the island’s history and heritage. We are committed to continue our investments in these types of projects in order to vivify our localities, which we must agree are pivotal to our island’s history.”
Id-Dgħajsa tar-Riħ is the epitome of art in public space, which recognises Malta’s indigenous industrial heritage, its unique engineering vernacular through the ages and appreciation of the skill and evolution of boat design and aviation. It was built in Cospicua due to the connotation between the three cities and our island’s maritime history. It is a project thought out to garner historical interest in the Maltese and, moreover, be a space which encourages tourists to visit our island.
The War Memorial Monument, originally inaugurated in 1994 and thought out to be the most colossal Second World War document, was a restoration project where various studies were conducted in order to find the its original polychromy and further reconstruct all its missing parts. In addition, the monument was complemented by a fountain so that, once again, this can be enjoyed by the Cospicua community.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius said that for all inhabitants of Cottonera Id-Dgħajsa tar-Riħ is a part of the area’s history. Just as the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, Id-Dgħajsa tar-Riħ is a symbol of Cottonera. He further said that, before the Second World War, boats were considered as a very important means of transport. Today, boats are primarily built for the Regatta, yet it seems that the boat is finding its place again as a means of transport. Parliamentary Secretary Agius concluded by calling for better preservation of the heritage left by our forefathers.
The project as a whole showcases appreciation and also serve as memory to both history and our island’s heritage. Id-Dgħajsa tar-Riħ and the War Memorial Monument and its fountain is a complete collective project which intermeshes local tradition with dynamic contemporary aesthetic.
Cospicua Mayor Alison Zerafa Civelli said that, “For many years, the Cospicua Community had been wishing to experience such projects which commemorate our history. Thanks to the work and wisdom of this government, today we can witness such a reality. We express our gratitude to Minister Ian Borg within the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects and Parliamentary Secretary for Lands and Construction Chris Agius for their commitment shown towards the city of Cospicua.”
