PINETOWN residents are angered that a cellphone mast has been erected in Nigella Place, despite their objections.
The Highway Mail published the story last week about an elderly resident, David Smit, who said the community felt disrespected by the municipality’s decision after they had clearly opposed the erection of a tower, and also sent an appeal after their first objection was disregarded.
Among Smit’s concerns was that the tower was erected in the middle of a residential area and is a health hazard, according to research.
eThekwini municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said the application was for a special consent for a Telecommunication Mast and Base Station at 2 Nigella Place, Pinetown.
“The application was advertised on 28 July 2017 and the proper public participation processes were followed. The Joint Advisory Committee took a decision to approve the application on 28 November 2017.
“All parties that commented on the application were notified and the approval of the special consent was taken on appeal by Steven Duckworth on behalf of the residents.
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“The matter was heard by the Town Planning Appeals Committee on 20 April 2018 and the appeal was dismissed,” said Mayisela.
Duckworth told the Highway Mail that he was very disappointed that their application failed.
“I am disappointed that we never received a proper response from the municipality. They ignored our complaints, even after sending lots of complaints, they did not give us any straight answers. We are unhappy our rights as residents were not taken to consideration and a corporate company was given priority.
“These cellphone masts are harmful to people, but the municipality denies that they are a health risk,” he said.
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