With reference to the recent letters published in the newspapers regarding the mobile telephony antennae on the Balzan parish church, the following clarification should be noted:

The Archdiocese of Malta has a master agreement with three mobile telephone providers for the installation of bay stations (antennae) on church property. The agreements contain adequate conditions to safeguard church interest and to protect the properties on which the equipment is installed.

All installations are covered by the necessary permits from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and are subject to Malta Communications Authority audits. 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 the Balzan parish church are not yet fully completed and some of the Curia architect’s aesthetical recommendations still need to be implemented. Once these are implemented 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 the local papers were taken from the roof and not from street level.

Ray Bonnici

Property Manager

Archbishop’s Curia