Vumatel project on hold in Sophiatown

Members of the community opposed to the installation of fibre poles in their suburb, caused division among residents.

However, community leaders and Vumatel are working together to address residents’ concerns.

Sophiatown Neighbourhood Watch chairperson, Dauw Steyn said most of the complaints were not about the fibre being installed but instead had to do with installing poles. The complaints were because they were using aerial fibre and some residents were unhappy about the poles.

“I’ve encountered complaints from residents in Gibson Street – which forms part of the middle section where we received complaints from elderly members – as well as residents closer to Morris Street. Subsequently, Vumatel has removed the poles in the area and the project has been postponed,” said Steyn.

He added he had a meeting with Vumatel about this issue and they are in the initial stages of starting the process again.

Meanwhile, Vumatel spokesperson, Kirsten Eddey said they install fibre in suburbs in partnership with the community and it’s important for them to install the infrastructure where the community is in support of the project.

“If the community is strongly against the project then it’s unlikely that we will make a return on the significant investment we made, when deploying the infrastructure. We are currently engaging with the Residents Associations in Sophiatown and Newlands to determine the best way forward,” said Eddey.

Triomf resident, Jacques Peterson is one of the residents who are in support of the installation of the poles and believes fibre is the future as opposed to copper gradually losing its appeal.

“Fibre would give us great Internet speed in our homes and businesses. We would also get surveillance cameras to make our neighbourhood safer,” said Peterson.

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