The aqueducts, located outside the limits of Victoria, which were built by the British between 1839 and 1843 to transport water from the springs at Il-Mixta and Għar Ilma, to Savina Square, in Victoria, and later on to the reservoirs below the Cittadella, are in the process of being restored by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo. Long considered one of Gozo’s icons, recent studies have revealed that these structures, as result of years long neglect, are in danger of collapse.
From recent preliminary investigations it was revealed that various sections of the original structure are missing whereas substantial stretches of the standing structures are experiencing structural problems. Several parts are leaning, while at least three of the arches are failing. Thus, leaving the Ministry for Gozo with no other option but commence with the restoration of this site before irreversible damage is caused. Geological investigations along the whole course of the aqueducts have been completed in 2021 and now a temporary shoring of the main arch is being set up so as to consolidate the present structure. A drafting of a tender for the actual restoration of the aqueducts is underway. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
