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Sliema mayor Marina Arrigo has kept her word given to MaltaToday a few weeks ago, and settled a long-standing issue the council had with resident Veronica Busuttil, reimbursing her damages after breaking a foot in a pothole outside her door.
Busuttil had threatened the council with issuing a garnishee order if it did not refund her Lm150 in medical expenses as ordered by the Small Claims Tribunal.
The case that dates back to June 2004, concerns the previous council under former PN mayor Albert Bonello Dupuis, when Veronica Busuttil broke her foot and ankle when she walked into a pothole just opposite her house in St Nicholas street.
In its decision, the tribunal presided by Peter Borg Costanzi stressed that the local council is obliged to keep streets an pavements in good condition, as well as be prompt to maintain them.
“St Nicholas street where the incident occurred is in a very bad state, and it is surprising how no further incidents have so far been reported,” the tribunal said.
In conclusion, the tribunal lambasted the council for its insensitivity towards the resident’s complaints, as reflected in the total absence of a council representative during the case.
Contacted by MaltaToday, Sliema mayor Marina Arrigo explained that she inherited the issue from the previous council, and that she would personally look into Veronica Busuttil’s claim. “I can give you my word that the matter will be closed by the end of the month” she said.
The cheque covering the whole amount in question was forwarded to Veronica Busuttil this week.
Link: www.maltatoday.com.mt/2006/09/17/t7.html
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