Updated 4.35pm with Epic reply
Birkirkara's local council has filed a judicial letter against communications company Epic, complaining that overhead fibre optic cables it is installing are a danger and an eyesore.
The council said the cables are being attached to old, rusty poles belonging to Enemalta or affixed to the facades of houses, triggering a flurry of reports by property owners complaining about damage.
These newly-installed cables not only created inconvenience but also had a negative impact on the town’s aesthetics, the council said.
Worse still, since the cables were being attached to old and rusty electricity poles, they posed a danger and an imminent risk that someone might get hurt. Further damage may also be caused to property owners.
The council called upon Epic to eliminate this danger immediately, suggesting underground installation of the cables as an alternative, also eliminating the eyesores.
Whilst reserving its rights to seek further legal action, the council declared that it was holding Epic responsible for damages and costs faced by itself and residents as a result of this cable installation.
Lawyer Richard Sladden signed the letter that was filed before the First Hall, Civil Court.
Epic: Cables comply with all laws and licences
Epic promptly filed a reply in court, arguing that the local council lacked the necessary authority or juridical interest to put forward such claims, more so against the service provider.
The local council’s claims were “totally unfounded” since the cables were “minimal,” had caused no damage, were supported by infrastructure belonging to third parties and were in line with all licences and obligations in terms of local and European legislation, the company said.
Furthermore, the cables installed by Epic were “far outnumbered” by other cables belonging to third parties and they could only be singled out through “technical knowledge.”
Thus it was not at all clear why the local council had only pointed out Epic, concluded the service provider’s lawyers, calling upon the council to withdraw its claims.
The reply was signed by lawyers Deo Falzon and Jake Desira.