Update | Monument passed through "all necessary MEPA procedures" - V.18

Floriana mayor Nigel Holland said that the new Prospettiva monument outside City Gate was not subjected to proper MEPA scrutiny.

“It doesn’t make sense that such a large monument can be installed by simply notifying the authorities, without passing it through the scrutiny process that much smaller and less visible projects have to pass through,” Holland said

The Prospettiva monument, which celebrates Valletta becoming European Capital for Culture in 2018, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Monday. The monument was designed by Chris Briffa Architects and was chosen by a panel composed of artists Richard England, Rupert Cefai and Carlo Schembri on behalf of the Valletta 2018 (V.18) Foundation.  

“The V.18 Foundation didn’t even consult with the Floriana Local Council about this monument, despite our repeatedly requesting such consultation with them with regards projects in Floriana,” Holland said

Holland added that the V.18 Foundation should focus on restoring Malta’s existing cultural sites, such as the Herbert Ganado Garden and the Sarria Church in Floriana, before spending money on new artistic projects.

“While MEPA allowed this monument to be installed after a mere notification, it set up pointless obstacles when the Floriana Local Council applied for works, financed by the Housing Authority scheme, next to Binja Vilhena.”

Holland said that such obstacles and delays by MEPA have made it difficult for the Floriana Local Council to perform the works in the time stipulated by the Housing Authority and that the council could therefore lose its financing for this project.

V.18 reaction

The V.18 Foundation responded to Holland's claims by saying that the installation of Prospettiva “respected all necessary procedures as set by MEP, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, and Transport Malta". 

V.18 accused Holland of "choosing to ignore" the Floriana Local Council's contribution to V.18, including in the illumination of parts of Floriana during Notte Bianca last weekend. 

“It is worth asking whether Mr Holland’s statement was made on behalf of the Floriana Local Council or otherwise," the V.18 said.