Cellular towers are necessary, says Lonehill Residents Association

There have been various theories over cellular towers being cancer causing agents and communities all over South Africa react quickly when a telecommunications company even thinks of setting up a tower near their home.

ALSO READ: Conflicting views on cell tower masts

Over the years, the residents of Lonehill have fought their fair share of similar cases.

According to the Lonehill Residents Association chairperson, Ray Stride, Lonehill had four MTN towers that were disputed due to residents’ major concerns over their health with regards to the proximity of the towers.

He stressed, “The concern is over radio emission from the towers, but this is not radiation that can cause cancer. However, as residents, we have to understand that we are moving into an era of newer technologies, which require the new 4G towers.”

He added, “We had experts look at the four Lonehill towers and we are aware that two of them are contentious; the other two are not contentious at this stage.

“The one on the south east of Lonehill is over-powered by electricity lines. The other tower was reported by an individual who asked for it to be moved as it was right next to his garden and obscured his view. The association spoke to MTN and asked them if they would consider moving the towers and they have agreed.

“One is in Buchner Crescent near a nursery school and another in Crestwood Drive.

“MTN has shown good faith in this regard, the towers which are meant to be moved have not been switched on anyway.”

ALSO READ: MTN to relocate tower as demanded by Lonehill residents

He said that as the association does not have authority to allow, disallow or request people to move; it has no legal authority over the issue, but are thankful that MTN has agreed to consider concerns raised.

 “The World Health Organisation has established a body to manage radio signals; the standards are based on professional people’s opinion. My understanding about the towers we now have is that they will be less than one per cent of the allowable radio emission power,” said Stride.

In a statement, Virgil James from the City of Johannesburg, said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed the argument that towers cause a form of cancer.

The statement read, “…WHO found that, considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing evidence that the weak radio frequency signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects, including the use of mobile phones.”

ALSO READ: Towers war turns scientific in Lonehill

Future City Fourways’ Jean Berdou said the issue of cell towers is a key subject for communities to understand so that people are informed about towers they see being erected. In a statement posted on the Future City Fourway’s Facebook page Berdou stated, “Most (people) agree that secure connectivity is vital for commerce, security and entertainment amongst other reasons… a few take issue with location of the towers and procedures for their location.”

Berdou pointed out that the Constitutional Court has however since ruled on cell tower matters.

“The court found that the progress of communities could not be held back by  individual property rights, but if there is obvious violation of such rights by any service provider then the towers have to be relocated,” said Berdou.

Fourways Improvement chief executive officer Nic Papas said the problem the community had with towers was not always the said health issues only.

Papas said, “Four towers in Lonehill were put in wrong spots, one was near a crèche, that is what we were objecting to. These companies can’t come and put up towers whenever they want. There needs to be public participation, but the association gave the go ahead.”

Papas also said the problem arose when one telecommunications company set up a tower on a street, another would also set up a tower close to it, as they cannot all use one tower.

“We need a solution to this problem where companies can use one tower. We can’t have all these towers all over our streets,” Papas said.

In the statement issued by the City of Joburg, James recognised that public participation for the installation of cell mast towers was a source of debate. “A serious bone of contention is the belief that the City does not ensure adequate public participation prior to installation of cellphone masts,” he said.

“The City will be having internal discussions amongst departments and entities for purposes of rescinding the current policy, we need a policy that takes into account all forms of communication installations and its impact on residents and environment.”

The policy is also expected to include the expanded list of requirements that deal with positioning of cell masts, proximity to bedrooms, driveways, gates, obstruction of traffic and proper camouflaged.

However, Jacqui O’Sullivan, executive corporate affairs for MTN SA, said MTN embarked on a public participation process in accordance with the municipal guidelines prior to erecting masts. In addition, residents were invited to participate in public meetings to outline the project and to respond to any concerns raised, she said.

O’Sullivan added that MTN initiated these meetings to demonstrate good corporate citizenship and to ensure that the residents were part of the process.

“MTN voluntarily complies with the guidelines set out by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), that are endorsed by the United Nations’ World Health Organisation (WHO), and the health and safety guidelines outlined by the Department of Health,” said O’Sullivan.

“MTN undertook to carry out an electromagnetic fields (EMF) predictive study for every antenna installed. The emissions from the antennas are 20% below the ICNIRP guidelines.”

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