Floriana mayor slams triton's fountain 'transfer' and minister's arrogance

Speaking during a press conference, Nigel Holland lambasted infrastructure minister Austin Gatt, branding him as “blatantly arrogant” for repeatedly taking decisions without any consultation.

The Floriana mayor stressed that it was unacceptable that a national landmark monument such as the triton’s fountain that was created by sculptor Vincent Apap in the 1950’s to enhance the Mall and King Edward VII Avenue, be removed from where it stands and be “squeezed” bext to the RAF memorial.

Nigel Holland explained that although the triton’s fountain does not technically fall anymore within the confines of Floriana, the local council always made it known that the monument “historically” fell within its boundaries.

“What I cannot understand is who is responsible for such decisions that are being taken without any consultation, and worse to the detriment of such important national monuments,” Holland said, adding that “Malta is probably the only country in the world that plays musical chairs with monuments.”

He stressed that Grand Master Vilhena’s monument may hold the “world record” for being moved around, explaining that this monument has been “transferred four times” in the span of a few years and it is high time that they now leave this Grand Master alone.”

The Floriana mayor said that although the triton’s fountain does not fall within the confines of his local council, “the matter interests us juridically.”

He said that by removing the monument, serious aesthetic damage will be caused to the alignment of monuments that adorn Floriana’s Mall leading to the Valletta City Gate.

He claimed that removing the monument would certainly cause damage to the structure, mainly because it was built on a structure that includes a number on underground tunnels and a system of air-vents that allow the circulation of water that flows out of the fountain.

“When the monument was commissioned, great attention was given to its height, as it was imperative that the designs did not obstruct the line of sight of either the Floriana Mall or the Valletta City Gate.

“I expect Mepa to speak up and ensure due protection for the triton’s fountain.”

Meanwhile, a government statement confirmed the infrastructure ministry’s intention to “move” the triton’s fountain and have it “restored” but denied Labour party spokesman and Mepa board member and employee Roderick Galdes who said that the monument will be “removed.”