[WATCH] AFM’s Haywharf maritime base 'beautifies' area, Minister says

New €5.5 million AFM Haywharf maritime base inaugurated

A controversial structure from which the Armed Forces' maritime squadron will operate “beautifies” the area, according to Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela.

The new facilities were inaugurated today. They include a crane to deploy ships into the sea, which will drastically reduce the deployment time of vessels in response to emergencies. AFM soldiers had previously launched boats into the water manually.

The project cost €5.5 million, 75% of which was EU funded, and was completed in around seven months.

During construction, the project was heavily criticised for its visual impact on the nearby Valletta bastions, with Alternattiva Demokratika condemning it as a “monstrosity”.

However, during its inauguration, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela insisted that the concrete structure "beautified" the area as it was constructed over abandoned and dilapidated buildings.

"The AFM have felt the need to modernise their operations for several years, and now they will be able to work more professionally," he said. "This project will boost our national security."

The concrete structure had been erected in the absence of a planning permit, because the army is exempted from applying for a permit.

The facilities include training centres, a gym, accommodation for foreign military, a new substation, and a large storage that will accommodate all mission-related equipment. The maritime equipment was previously stored in separate locations, leading to deployment delays as soldiers had to rush to different storages before setting off on their mission.