Contention around new cellular tower

The church, which lies on the corner of Cypress and Varing streets, will become host to a 36m high tower, meant to increase cellular signals in the area.

According to many of the residents living in the area, they received no notice of the construction and had no time to object.

One of the residents, who wanted to remain anonymous, read the notice boards in April, then informed his neighbours of the situation, many of whom had not known.

He said the notice boards were removed within two days.

Pastor Arnold Uys, of Charisma Kerk, said the church had been contacted by the developing company, Sky Coverage.

“We were contacted by Sky Coverage about the tower, then didn’t hear anything for a while, as they first had to sort out the legal side of things,” said Uys.

Rico Marx, director of Sky Coverage, said the full legal process had been followed and the construction was approved through the proper channels by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM).

“We have all the proof here, in our office, regarding the cellular tower,” said Marx.

“We followed all the necessary steps; we put up the notice boards for 14 days, we sent out letters to all the relevant residences and we received approval from the metro.

“My biggest concern is the impact an article in the paper will have on the church, including the orphanage they run.”

The City Times approached several residents of the area, asking whether they ever received notice of the tower.

“I never heard anything until a neighbour informed us; I never received a letter or anything and I don’t want it here,” said Laura Potgieter, a resident on Cypress Street.

Jeanette Broom, a resident on Spruce Street, said she received a letter informing her of the tower, but only on April 28, after the objection period had ended.

Despite the late arrival, Broom said the letter had March 30 as the date by which it had been sent, before the objection period had started.

“I’m not happy about this tower, I called to object, but haven’t received a reply yet,” she said.

Meanwhile Estelle Boshoff, who lives right next to the church on Spruce Street, and close to where the tower will be erected, said she is happy about it.

“I don’t mind at all; it will help a lot, the signal here is very bad; now we’ll be able to use the internet properly,” she said.

EMM said all the legal proceedings were followed regarding this tower and that the building plan was approved on June 5.

“Registered letters were sent to the 10 abutting property owners on March 27 and the proof thereof was submitted to the EMM,” said Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson.

“Only neighbouring/abutting property owners need to be notified.

“Photos of the displayed notice boards as well as an affidavit dated May 21 were submitted by the applicant.”

EMM was asked for proof that the necessary steps were followed, but none had been received at the time of going to press.