Proposed cell mast poses a ‘health hazard’ says residents

RESIDENTS of Rosehill have reacted angrily to plans to build a 25-metre high cell phone mast put forward by cell phone network giant, MTN. The cell mast which will be situated at one of the resident’s homes, but it has caused some consternation because of its proximity to residents’ homes and the potential health hazards it poses.

Northglen News met with several disgruntled residents who voiced their disapproval of the mast.

Notices put up on the road to give residents a chance to voice their opinions on the mast had the incorrect dates on them. Instead of giving the residents 30 days to respond to the notice, it gave them 24 hours. The mistake has since been fixed, but residents remain suspicious of the error, with some suggesting it was deliberate. There are at least six masts within a five-kilometre radius and two within a 500-metre radius.

Verna Mudie, secretary of the Rosehill Community Care Neighbourhood Watch, said residents have voiced overwhelming opposition to the proposed mast.

“Nobody wants it. By the sheer number of residents here today, that is evident. I urge residents to respond to the notice and to use their voices to make a change and tell the municipality on what grounds they oppose the proposed mast,” she said.

Claude Topper, who lives on Leslie Avenue just next door to where the proposed cell mast is planned to be installed, said he was also opposed to the idea.

“The health issue is a huge concern and this is going to devalue the property of my home. I’ve lived here since 1962 and have never lived next to a cell phone tower, and I don’t have any inclination to start now,” he said.

Justin Furner, another resident in opposition to the mast, said there was no need to put up another one.

“I think they have got enough towers, they just need to manage them better. I’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 cell phone mast,” Furner said.

Ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said the proposal was contentious especially after the wrong date was issued on the original notice.

“There is a clear feeling that the residents are united in their opposition to the mast. There is a lot of research for and against cell masts, but there’s not enough evidence to suggest there is not a health risk by erecting a cell antenna. I get my mandate from the residents and I encourage public participation in this issue to find an amicable solution,” Ryley said.

The date for objections has been extended to 14 December.

Residents of Rosehill can take heart in the victory of Umhlanga Manors residents, who in January this year emerged victorious in their battle against the application to install a MTN cell mast.