With the financial support of around €220,000 from the Planning Authority (PA), embellishment works on Pjazza Madonna ta’ Fatima in Pietà are ongoing.
At the same time, works are being carried out on the building of the Franciscan Convent of St Mary of Jesus in Valletta.
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia who explained that such funds give rise to various projects which are strengthening the urban environment for the benefit of the community.
“Through various initiatives, we are creating and encouraging more recreation and a healthier urban environment. For these projects, the Development Planning Fund is being tapped into to embellish the urban environment while incorporating more sustainable elements in its planning, as well as to restore our cultural heritage”, said the minister.
He explained that the Pietà project also includes improved accessibility; a fountain, and a rainwater storage facility for irrigation; as well as a new lighting system. The project was presented by the Pietà Local Council together with the Regional Council of the Centre.
The minister said that works are also currently being carried out inside the Franciscan Convent of St Mary of Jesus in Valletta. The building of the convent dates back to the 16th century, when the Franciscan Friars Minor were given a piece of land in the area of Porta del Monte (now Victoria Gate) to build a church and convent. The first stone of this building was laid in 1575. It is said that the façade of this building was made by the architect Ġlormu Cassar as was the custom in those days when Valletta was being built.
The convent had not been maintained for a long time, until in recent years the Community of Friars together with the Guardian decided that the maintenance should be given the importance it deserved. The Planning Authority approved the sum of over €43,000 for the replacement of these roofs by the Franciscan Friars.
Vincent Cassar, Chairperson of the Development Planning Fund said that, “The support we are giving to the structural and renovation works being carried as part of these projects will benefit the Maltese community and residents. We have an obligation not only to safeguard our built heritage but a responsibility to provide spaces where future communities can better integrate and build relationships through such projects”.
“The locality of Pietà is lacking in open spaces, and for this reason we felt the need to give back to residents. Thanks to the Planning Authority and Minister Aaron Farrugia, this dream could become a reality and we can now enjoy this area”, Pietà Mayor Keith Tanti stated.
Friar Ramon Farrugia OFM, Guardian of the Franciscans of Valletta, thanked those concerned and said that this grant was very important to eliminate part of the hazard in the convent and alleviated some of the cost of completing the works for the friars.
