Look out for cell masts

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe stresses to residents to look out for the erection of cell phone masts in their area.

Deppe said that under the new Land Use Scheme introduced in 2018, the applications for the erections for cell phone masts do not go through the council or the ward councillor’s office.

She said that building application for the slab is put through a consultant and is approved through the City directly.

Deppe added, “The consultant works on behalf of the applicant who may be any one of the cellular companies, they approach the private property owner and sign a contract through them if they are in an agreement that the area needs one.

“Cellular companies do research in areas before they approach property owners. It is the private property owners’ responsibility to notify their neighbours as well as the consultants through register post. What I have found is most people do not check their postboxes on a regular basis and some people have not changed their addresses, also some people have moved and rented their homes out and never tell the person who is renting that there has been a notification.”

The councillor said that residents who notice construction in their area should consult with the contractor about what is being built and contact their councillor the minute they discover a neighbour erecting a cell phone mast in the area.

She concluded that residents who are in communication with a cell phone company should notify neighbours and get the necessary permission first before moving ahead with the project.

Details: Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe 082 886 8519.

Related Article: 

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/232046/ward-112-year-end-message/