Proposed cell mast angers residents

UMHLANGA Manors residents have reacted angrily to plans to build a 25m high cellphone mast on a piece of land metres away from the nearest home. The proposed mast has been put forward by cellphone network giant MTN.

Though on municipal land, the  situated area of the mast has caused some consternation because of its proximity to residents’ homes.

Richard Edwards, chairman of the Umhlanga Manors Homeowners Forum said residents have voiced overwhelming opposition to the proposed mast.

“Nobody wants it. The health issue is a huge concern. It’s totally unacceptable to have a mast a mere 15m away from someone’s bedroom window. We’ve come across many studies showing how harmful radiation from cell masts is. Ask any man on the street and they’ll tell you they don’t want to live near a cellphone mast,” he said.

He also said that residents’ sea views are going to be affected, property values are going to be compromised, and the noise from the generator is another concern.

“This proposal is being vigorously objected to, against both the eThekwini Municipality who is the landowner and MTN who is the tenant.”

His sentiments were echoed by ward councillor Heinz de Boer who said the proposal was utterly ludicrous. “I wouldn’t expect an application like this from MTN, especially as the proposed mast is so close to residents’ homes. The residents’ safety should be the deciding factor in this matter.

“I stand resolute with Umhlanga Manors residents who are opposed to an undue eyesore,” he said. De Boer added there were several studies showing the adverse effects of cell mast radiation waves.

In November last year, a MTN cellphone mast was given the go ahead as Somerset Park residents showed overwhelming support due to low connectivity in the area.

There has been no response from MTN as yet.