PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE NATIONAL HERITAGE, THE ARTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Ongoing restoration works on the Chapel of Our Lady of Light in Ħaż-Żebbuġ

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Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, visited the ongoing restoration works on the Chapel of Our Lady of Light situated in Ħaż-Żebbuġ. This chapel is one of the thirteen projects benefiting from the Local Councils Scheme 2022, and the project was proposed by the Żebbuġ Local Council itself.​

The project kicked off last month, and all the work is being carried out by the Restoration and Preservation Department.

Minister Bonnici stated that these restoration projects within the various communities are looked upon very favourably by the residents. He said that the projects completed over the years as part of this scheme have varied in nature and scale, ranging from small projects like the restoration of traditional village crosses or statues to medium-scale endeavours involving the restoration of historic buildings and monuments dating back to the times of the Knights of St John.

"The government is fully committed to safeguarding and restoring our patrimony, including those which are found in the communities," concluded Minister Bonnici.

From her end, Architect Audrey Ann Bonnici explained that the interventions being carried out mainly consist in the cleaning of the façade and bell tower from biological growth, black crust, and other superficial deposits; pointing of open joints; replacement of deteriorated stone; closing of cracks to stop water infiltration in the bell tower; structural consolidation of lintels; reconstruction of missing parts; and restoration of apertures.

The Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Light is one of the oldest chapels in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, and it was built in 1736. During the war, the chapel, especially the bell tower, suffered a lot of damage. Work was immediately carried out to reconstruct the damaged parts.

Present for the press conference were the mayor of Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council, Mark Camilleri, members of the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council, and Parish Priest Fr Albert Buhagiar.

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