Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar fully supports residents from Birzebbugia and much further afield who are calling for the full preservation of the Razzett Tal-Papa in Birzebbugia.
The Tal-Papa farm is not just a remarkable example of vernacular architecture, but also of great historical significance to the area as a farming community on this spot is mentioned in 1517 documents that pre-dates the knights’ arrival in Malta. Besides other sixteenth century references, in his 1647 publication ‘Della Descrittione di Malta’, Gan Francisk Abela, the first Maltese historian, mentioned the Tal-Papa community as one of the first in the area.
This farmhouse is now being threatened by MEPA’s Development Brief for the area; although the farmhouse itself is not to be demolished, its fields are to be developed in spite of the fact that an ancient threshing-floor as well as protected carob and olive trees and other ancient trees are to be found on its grounds. Many of these trees as well as the threshing floor will have to be destroyed in order to accommodate the planned residential project. The ancient farmhouse, dilapidated but still noble, will completely lose its character once surrounded by three-storey houses. Although the plans provide for a 6-metre buffer zone, excavations of foundations for surrounding basement garages will further weaken the precarious state of this building; Birzebbugia has already lost two other ancient farmhouses due to neglect and damage from nearby building activity, while the ‘Carthaginian Tower’ is obliterated by surrounding buildings; Birzebbugia cannot afford to lose more of its heritage.
While the neighbouring Tal-Papa farmland is being proposed for an EU-funded agro-tourism project, it is hoped that this farmhouse could be restored and turned into an agricultural heritage museum and nature park, while also serving as a cultural centre and tourist attraction.
Speaking for the residents, an FAA spokesperson stated “Birzebbugia and its residents have already suffered enough environmentally due to the gas plant, the Enemalta fuel storage tanks, the noise caused by the Freeport and the airport fly-path, as well as being deprived of the use of Pretty Bay by the pollution of the Freeport. We fully support the residents’ request for a study to examine whether more dwelling units are really needed in an area where 1,000 units are vacant while others are still to be built on empty lots. Why do we fell compelled to purge our heritage in this way? We urge all those who fell strongly against this to object to MEPA at http://www.ambjentahjar.org/letterofobjection1.asp
The Tal-Papa farm and its surrounding fields are a vital part of Birzebbugia’s history and identity. This farmhouse has incredibly survived 500 years and the bombing of WWII. Its destruction at MEPA’s hands would be a heritage heresy of the first order.