Infrastructure for telecommunications in parts of Ekurhuleni erected
Despite the masts being in Sunnyrock (Germiston), residents of Bedfordview and Edenvale will benefit by having better signals too.
Two pieces of undeveloped land in Ward 92 have been identified as locations for proposed cellular masts and the respective base stations.
ALSO READ: Infrastructure at risk in Isandovale
Forming part of a city-wide project across 32 wards, if constructed the base stations and cell masts will be erected on municipal land in Sunnyrock.
Despite the masts being in Sunnyrock, residents of Bedfordview and Edenvale will benefit by having better signals too.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said the land on which infrastructure will be located will be leased by the City of Ekurhuleni for nine years and 11 months.
Guerreiro said the reason Sunnyrock was identified as a proposed location was because of its:
• Elevation compared to neighbouring suburbs
• The potential security afforded by the area being fenced off
• Powerlines prevent any other construction on the land
Although it is a city-wide project, Guerreiro said he is excited that a project of such magnitude will be coming to his ward.
“Overall, the project has the potential of generating R1.2b in revenue for the city,” said Guerreiro.
“It will also see the municipality generate a total monthly revenue of R1.679m on unused and undeveloped portions of land.”
He said the two masts in Sunnyrock would generate over R20 000 in revenue per month for the city.
Guerreiro said the funds generated by the project would be invested by the city back into its departments which would assist its residents in the long run.
ALSO READ: Parts of Ekurhuleni without power following violent protest
The entire project will see 150 permanent and 6 200 temporary jobs being created.
“The municipality is pro-job creation.”
Guerreiro said when the project starts in Ward 92, he will fight for community members to be employed in the project.
Guerreiro said the masts will also be more environmentally friendly in comparison to the older cellular mast.
“From my understanding, the masts and base stations are smaller when compared to older masts,” explained Guerreiro.
“The new masts don’t emit the same frequencies either.”
He said to make to masts aesthetically pleasing they will be planned to look like flora.
Guerreiro said one example of an already erected mast is the one at Cornerstone Church in Klopperpark.
Since informing community members of the development, Guerreiro said most were welcoming of the project.
“There was some pushback from residents in Highway Gardens, who raised concerns about health related to the 5G network.
“At this stage, I cannot say what network the towers will be used for but once I have more information, it will be shared.”
Guerreiro said although the public participation process has started, it has not commenced in Ward 92 yet.
“Once it starts in Ward 92 community members will be given notice, they will be provided with the pros and cons and will be able to decide from there.”
ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni signs agreement to unlock renewable energy wheeling
Guerreiro said because of the number of residents in Ward 92 who work from home combined with the number of businesses in the area, telecommunications technology and the internet are vital for development.
“Many residents and businesses require uninterrupted services and connections to ensure that jobs can be completed. I believe this project will go a long way in improving the lives of the residents.”
Also follow us on:
