The sanitary infrastructure of the Maltese islands, 1850s-1930s

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide an introductory analysis of the development of certain aspects of sanitary infrastructure in Malta from the 1850s to the 1930s. The first chapter in this study focuses on the development of the drainage-sewage system in Malta in the above mentioned period. The second chapter describes the progress which took place in the Maltese housing sector. The third and last chapter discusses the improvement which came gradually in street hygiene. Through this research, based mainly on primary and secondary sources, the present researcher hopes to encourage a discussion on the significant sanitary developments which took place in the above mentioned sectors between the 1850s and the 1930s in the Maltese islands. My sincere gratitude and thanks go to my tutor Prof. John Chircop for his continuous support, guidance and constructive feedback throughout this dissertation. I am also sincerely grateful to the Department of History whose complete support and commitment have enhanced my learning experience at the University of Malta. Similarly, I am thankful to the National Library, the National Archives, the Gozo Reference Library and their staff members especially Chris Galea for his constant help. My thanks also go to the staff at the Melitensia section of the university. Ultimately, special thanks go to my mother, my girlfriend Ann Marie and the rest of my family whose moral backing, encouragement and support were fundamental throughout these years.