Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

History and facilities

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is named after a long stretch of rocky coast characterised by a large number of pebbles and sharp rocks. The area was used as a camping site by British forces during the British colonial period of the islands.

Two century-old chapels are found in the area, one of which has been abandoned. A modern central parish church and Franciscan retreat house are also located in the village. Opposite Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is a marine entertainment centre which also has a dolphin show. Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq also contains a small number of bars and restaurants and a boy scout camping site.

The village was for much of the late twentieth century home to the White Rocks tourist complex. However, by the early 21st century this had fallen into disrepair and was no longer used. A proposal to convert the complex into a sports complex was announced by the Maltese government in 2010, but little progress had been made by June 2011.

When Local Councils were established, the central government decided that the village should form part of the Local Council of Naxxar. However, the parish district of the town falls under the neighbouring Għargħur Local Council. In the last 15 years the land development increased by threefold and Maltese people continue to purchase and develop property in the area.

Organised Deterioration of the Village

Unfortunately over the years local governments have abandoned interest of preservation of this village, so much so that a number of controversial developments have taken place, namely the demolition of a unique Arab-styled hotel which was the only one in Malta having intricate designs and features, to be replaced by a number of concrete apartments while half of the land remains desolate with the pavement and pedestrian facilities having been completely removed and ignored for years.

The second is the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Redoubt which despite being from the early 1700s, shows no signs of heritage as the façade has been plastered with post-modernist signage being put up. Very little character is left from the time it was built and it is impossible to make out what it was without knowing its history beforehand.

Third is Malta's only sound mirror which is military and cultural heritage that has been closed off for the public and appropriated by a local telecommunications company, while the structure falls into disrepair because it is not maintained or inspected.

There was also a Franciscan Priory or retreat house which also had unique features and character that is found nowhere else on the island, but this has since been taken over by a development company and converted into a retirement home and a business hub, thus removing another facility that was once available to the public and replacing it with an obstructive vision to nearby buildings.

A penultimate matter is that of the caravan site by the sea which has been over-abused with several permanent structures having risen, leaving no place for locals or visitors to set up their own spaces and enjoy the barbeque areas or open spaces which are no longer present.

The latest tragedy being proposed in this village is an incinerator along the coast, which will affect not only the health of all the people living in the village and nearby towns and cities, but also the quality of the sea in the multiple swimming zones around, as well as the quality of the arable farming land which is a dying resource on this island. Should this project take place, this once peaceful villa-area will become a fully incorporated shanty town.

Malta's sound mirror

The only sound mirror built outside of the UK is found near Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq at Magħtab. These buildings were sound early warning radar systems built before World War II.

Zones in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

• Qalet Marku
• San Ġwann Evanġelista
• Wied il-Faħam
• White Rocks

Transport

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq is located on the Triq il-Kosta (Coast Road), Triq tal-Madliena (Madliena Road) and Triq Sant' Andrija (St Andrew's Road).

The village is served by three bus routes linking it to Valletta, Sliema and Buġibba.

References

References

1. Calleja, Claudia. (12 June 2011). "Government tight-lipped on White Rocks project". [[The Times of Malta]].
2. Grantham, Andrew. "Il Widna, Malta". Sound Mirrors.
3. Bain, Carolyn. (2007). "Malta & Gozo". Lonely Planet.