Mobile antennae on Balzan parish church (1)

With reference to recent letters on the mobile telephony antennae on Balzan church, the following clarification should be noted:

The Archdiocese of Malta has an agreement with three mobile telephone providers for the installation of antennae on Church property.

The agreements contain adequate conditions to safeguard Church interests and to protect the properties on which the equipment is installed.

All installations are covered by the necessary permits and are subject to audits by the Malta Communications Authority. Moreover, all installations have to be approved by the Curia architect who goes into every detail of the installation in consultation with the parish priest.

Every possible measure is taken to safeguard the structural, historical and aesthetical integrity of the building.

These measures include the use of cable trays and stainless steel screws and the camouflaging of panels to minimise the visual impact.

The installations on Balzan church are not yet fully completed and some of the Curia architect's aesthetical recommendations still need to be implemented.

When they are, the visual impact from street level will be minimal.

The minor accidental damage to the fascia of one of the windows will be repaired and the cost will be borne by the provider who has accepted responsibility.

It is to be noted that the photos published on local papers were taken from a roof and not from street level.