Local NGO Archaeological Society Malta have issued a statement regarding Infrastructure Malta’s possible development plans that, if executed, will threaten the structure of the centuries-old catacomb of Ħal Resqun in Luqa.

A little bit about Ħal Resqun Catacomb

As the NGO says in their statement, the catacomb is “one of the most extraordinary late Roman sites in Malta, and one of the least well known to the public” - guilty! The catacomb is home to “two outstanding carvings [found] over the opening of two graves,” including one “that Sir Themistocles Zammit interpreted as a creation scene that is unique not only in Malta, but in the late Roman world.”

“The catacomb also has a number of other very unusual and distinctive features [and] is at present inaccessible to the public because it lies preserved below a busy roundabout at the entrance to the Malta International Airport.”

The threat 

“Infrastructure Malta is moving towards the possibility of cutting a massive tunnel wide enough to take at least four lanes of traffic, as well as building a flyover, in the immediate vicinity of the catacomb.”

“In the opinion of this Society, the very notion that extensive rock-cutting be undertaken so close to so fragile and so important a monument is foolhardy and irresponsible,” the organisation expresses. “This Society is aware that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is actively monitoring the area surrounding Ħal Resqun through surveys, GPR and cores to ascertain the effect of vibrations on the catacomb. However, the ASM feels that however many precautions are initiated, the proposal to cut a tunnel beside or beneath such an important site will never be risk free. For that reason, this idea should be dismissed and put to rest before any more time and energy is invested in it,” ASM urges.

The Society also challenges previously made statements about the proposed tunnel. “The statements made in the press that the proposed tunnel would pose no risk to the catacombs are cavalier. Even if geological studies can be produced, claiming that the project can be realized with minimal risk to the catacomb, the fact remains that it is not a risk worth taking.”

“The purpose of improving the country’s infrastructure is ultimately the improvement of the quality of life of its citizens. The proper safeguarding of the country’s archaeological resources is a central pillar in the quality of life of citizens today, and those of future generations. It is not in the gift of any government or authority to put such irreplaceable public assets at risk,” they warn.

“We look forward to public reassurances that the design for this ill-advised proposed road and tunnel will be adjusted to avoid any risk at all to this unique catacomb which is of value not only for Malta but in a global historical context.”

What do you think of the sticky situation?