Residents of Żurrieq and the public will be able to enjoy the restored Xarolla Windmill once again, following the completion of restoration and reconstruction work by the Department of Public Works. This comes after the windmill suffered significant damage during a storm in March 2022.
Minister for Public Works and Planning, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, inaugurated this project, which involved extensive restoration work on the century-old windmill, in the presence of Żurrieq Mayor Rita Grima. The project included repairs to the machinery and the windmill’s sails, carried out within the Manufacturing and Services Directorate in Kordin.
In his speech, Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi praised the work of the craftsmen and technicians involved in restoring the twelve-storey windmill. “This work was meticulous and extensive, involving the replacement of all thirty-foot-long wooden beams, known as ‘antarjoli,’ as well as the reconstruction of the sails, the central shaft, and the roof of the windmill,” explained Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
For many years, the Xarolla Windmill served as a source of sustenance for various families. The windmill was used to grind wheat, barley, dried beans, and also produced a mixture of wheat and bran. Today, it stands as a main attraction for locals and tourists in the village of Żurrieq, known as the ‘High Xagħra.’
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasized that this project is evidence of the central government’s commitment to preserving our country’s historical heritage and the responsible use of public resources. The Minister stated, “One must appreciate the meticulous and diligent way our ancestors built and maintained this windmill for centuries, without the technologies and modern tools of today. Therefore, it is our duty as a government to continue our commitment to preserving our historical and cultural heritage.”
In her speech, Żurrieq Mayor Rita Grima mentioned that since the windmill was damaged during the storm, she received the support of the government to restore it to a functional state. She expressed gratitude to the Ministry and all those involved in the implementation of this restoration and reconstruction project.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi extended his thanks to all the employees of the Department of Public Works who worked on the restoration and reconstruction of the windmill, the Żurrieq Local Council, and the volunteers who cooperated continuously to ensure the completion of this project.
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