.png)
Inaugurated with much pomp, wind rips apart megalithic temples tent structure
A multi-million euro tent structure that was intended to protect the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim from the elements was shredded in yesterday’s gale force winds.
According to Heritage Malta, no damage was sustained by the temples, however extensive damage was reported to the protective structure that was inaugurated with much pomp by the Prime Minister on live TV just a few months ago.
MaltaToday is informed that in many parts, the steel structure was practically twisted as it loosened and was beginning to lift upwards as the gale force gusts blew into the dome-shaped canvas cover.
As Civil Protection personnel worked through the night in poor weather conditions to ensure no further damage is caused to either the structure and more importantly to the megalithic temples, an onsite inspection this morning confirmed that luckily, the temples sustained no damages,
While experts will have to be brought back to Malta to assess the damage to the ‘protective’ structure, the ancient temples are expected to remain closed to the public indefinitely.
Read Saviour Balzan in MaltaToday's print version today
•
When will the soap opera end?
Jon Sciberras •
I had posted it on this website. The wind will pull the tents out like a huge sail, and carry it Sicily on one of our famous stormy days. But I got a few idiots telling me that it was bolted to the ground with huge cement blocks. I told them again, if they knew the power of the wind they better not say anything else. And hey presto, to those who told me it was not possible for the structure to buckle under wind strain, you have your answer.
Keith Goodlip •
Multi-million euros the firs time round- multimillion euros the next time round. Good to have your hands in the right pockets, isn't it.
•
A sort of glass or plexi glass dome covering should have been built with an upper inside gallery for an aerial view would have been better.
The cost might be slightly bigger but then €4 million have been compromised not mentioning the priceless gem Hagar Qim might have suffered damahe.
As usual with gonziPN half baked ideas that only satisfy some deep pockets, shame on the EU if it contributed to the building to such an asinine project.
Abdullah alhrbi •
Is anyone really surprised?
•
Should not an inquiry be held as to the suitability of the design of the structure and the materials used? It was perfectly predictable that the structure would have had to endure such kind of weather which is not unknown in Malta.
