Malvern teacher opposes proposed cellphone tower
Founder of a pre-school based in Ethelbert Road, fears that the radiation emitted from the cellphone tower could pose health risks to the residents.
“I UNDERSTAND that everyone needs money at the moment- but at what cost?”
These are the sentiments expressed by the founder of a pre-school based in Ethelbert Road, Malvern where a proposed cellphone tower is set to be erected.
Sally Pillay has been an educator in the area for almost 10 years and fears for the safety of the children and residents in close proximity to the proposed cellphone tower. “I was approached by a service provider a few years ago and was asked if they could use my land to put up a cellphone tower. They offered to pay for the land and with the pandemic, I lost a lot of income but I did not want to risk the health of the children,” said Pillay.
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She fears that the radiation emitted from the cellphone tower could pose health risks to the residents.
“There are several schools in this area and two children’s homes, to risk their lives and health for a few thousand rands was not worth it. I don’t see why they would need to put a cellphone tower in the middle of a residential area. There are also a lot of elderly people in the area.
“The public’s interest needs to be considered. When I turned down the service provider, they tried to show me reports but my gut insisted to not allow this tower to be erected. However, a cellphone tower is set to be placed in the neighbour’s house,” said the concerned resident.
Meanwhile, a notice was placed on the neighbour’s property to inform residents of the proposed tower.
Pillay urges other concerned residents to lodge objections against the cellphone tower.
“I was told that the objections need to have more merit rather than numbers. I appeal to the community to compile their objections to voice their concerns. The proposed tower will be at our doorstep and it is scary because we don’t know the effects of the radiation emitted. I understand that everyone needs money at the moment but at what cost?” added Pillay.
According to a notice placed on the property, the eThekwini Municipality plans to use the property for telecommunications infrastructure.
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