Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542465
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 9 JANUARY 2026 NEWS Ta' Kenuna Tower closed as cliff instability raises safety concerns A strategic landmark overlooking Gozo Ta' Kenuna Tower stands on the edge of Nadur, offering almost 360-degree views across Gozo. Built in 1848 by the British au- thorities, it is one of only three semaphore towers in Malta and the only one located in Gozo. The tower once formed part of a strategic visual communication network linking Gozo with Malta and beyond. Dur- ing the 19th century, it played a key role in maritime surveillance and military signal- ling, using semaphore arms long before the advent of modern telecommunications. From military outpost to civic space Over the years, the tower's role expand- ed beyond its original military function. Following restoration works completed in 2005, Ta' Kenuna was adapted to host com- munication antennas, which remain in use today. The development of a surrounding botanical garden further transformed the site into a public space, combining pano- ramic views with educational and recrea- tional value, and reinforcing the tower's im- portance as a cultural and civic landmark. Geological risks beneath the structure The tower's current threat is geological rather than historical. It is built on cliffs made mainly of Upper Coralline Limestone - a strong rock formation that is nonethe- less vulnerable to long-term erosion and in- stability when fractured. Natural processes such as water infiltration, wind erosion and gravity gradually weaken exposed cliff fac- es. At Ta' Kenuna, these forces have caused fissures, rock detachment and an increas- ing risk of collapse. Public closure following visible deterioration In March 2025, visible signs of deterio- ration and growing safety concerns led to the closure of Ta' Kenuna Tower and its botanical garden. The decision, taken by the local council, was intended to protect public safety and responded to an imme- diate and clear risk. However, the closure also underlined the seriousness of the sit- uation: the cliff supporting one of Gozo's most recognisable landmarks is failing, and the time available for effective intervention is shrinking. Slow progress towards intervention Despite the urgency, progress towards a concrete solution has been limited. In Au- gust 2025, nearly a year after the closure, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning issued a general call for tenders for profession- al structural engineering services across Gozo. The call was not specific to Ta' Kenuna Tower and did not directly address its immediate risks, raising concerns that further deterioration could occur while ad- ministrative processes continue. Proven solutions already in use elsewhere Stabilising historic structures built on cliffs is a well-known challenge in Malta. Similar interventions have already been successfully carried out in Mdina, Valletta and the Cittadella in Gozo. These projects typically involve securing unstable rock faces to stronger underlying layers using rock bolts, anchors and reinforced systems, while respecting the heritage value of the sites. Such techniques are standard practice in conservation engineering and are widely used across Europe, particularly in historic towns built on escarpments. When proper- ly planned and implemented, they can sig- nificantly reduce or halt deterioration and ensure long-term safety. Time as the critical factor What Ta' Kenuna Tower currently lacks is not technical expertise or precedent, but time. Ongoing erosion increases the risk of irreversible damage or partial collapse, pos- ing a danger to public safety and potentially leading to much higher restoration costs or the permanent loss of an important herit- age site. Ta' Kenuna Tower is a key part of Gozo's strategic, cultural and architectural history. Its future depends on decisive, site-specific action that balances proper procedure with urgency. In this case, delay carries real risks, making timely commitment to stabilisation works essential if the monument is to be preserved for future generations. Luke Said, Gozitan PN candidate In March 2025, visible signs of deterioration and growing safety concerns led to the closure of Ta' Kenuna Tower and its botanical garden Gozo students restore 200-year-old school murals STUDENTS at a Gozo school have restored murals dating back more than 200 years, bringing neglected artwork back to public view. The restoration was car- ried out quietly, after classes, without cameras or public an- nouncements. Pupils cleaned, repaired, and preserved the fragile paintings under the supervision of teachers, who observed the work without in- terference. Once completed, the stu- dents left the murals on dis- play without fanfare. Parents were informed afterward, and locals expressed appreciation for the effort. The project highlights the role of young people in pre- serving Malta's cultural her- itage and demonstrates care, patience, and responsibility in maintaining historic sites. The project highlights the role of young people in preserving Malta's cultural heritage and demonstrates care, patience, and responsibility in maintaining historic sites