Editor
YOUR article; ‘Rosehill residents unhappy over cell mast approval’ (8 April) refers. The word “outraged” would have been more appropriate. Type, ‘Phone mast dangers’ in Google and you will find that a great deal more research is necessary before anyone can give assurances that these masts are not dangerous. This is probably why MTN is apparently avoiding comment (we already have a cell mast about 200 metres away). Sadly, you did not disclose the amount of rent obtainable for housing these masts, which I’ve heard from reliable sources, is between 10 and 25 thousand Rand per month.
Then there’s the issue of our City approving these masts, as our Constitution states we have the right to a healthy environment. (Although integrity has been questionable here ever since we got an ANC government!).
Estate Agents say these masts lower the value of our properties, but probably won’t do anything to end the tyranny of cell phone operators. I submit that (apart from health), the main problem is that only one owner benefits from the huge bonus of the monthly rent from MTN, while all surrounding property owners suffer, or risk doing so.
I suggest legislation is needed to force these cell operators to obtain the permission of all property owners within 100 metres of the desired position of a cell mast, and to pay each of them the monthly cost of their individual Rates, as monthly rent for the mast. Finally, thanks and congratulations to Rentia and Andre Klaasen.
Roger Layzell
Rosehill
