Street pole cell mast halt

City Power is preparing extensive engagements and consultations with residents and ward councillors concerning street pole cell masts that were initially deployed in August last year.

MTN deployed antennas on street light poles and began erecting purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact around the north of Johannesburg, to improve network coverage and quality.

This was to be done on a 10-metre high tower that would double up as a street light.

This project has been put on hold until the consultation process is finalised as this development – coupled with lack of consultation with ward councillors and residents – caused an outcry and resistance.

Eben Albertyn, chief technology officer, MTN SA said, the density of the buildings around western and northern Johannesburg has impacted negatively on network coverage and quality. This has compelled the company to consider ways of deploying its infrastructure due to the difficulties experienced in installing conventional base stations in these areas.

The areas targeted include a number of suburbs in Randburg, Fourways, Bryanston and Saxonworld neighbourhoods.

Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck said that after lengthy consultations with City Power on this matter, he has received the following confirmations:

• The written approval of the ward councillor must be obtained for all installations that have already taken place.
• The approval of the affected ward councillor is a contractual requirement. If they are unable to get this, the telecommunications companies will have to resolve the issue in consultation with the ward councillor and the affected communities.
• No further installations will take place without prior approval of the ward councillor in writing.
• All of the written approvals are to be provided to City Power. All of the contractors involved have accepted this principle with immediate effect. This is to be attained as soon as possible.
• Once the proper contractual processes are in place and working effectively, and all current issues are addressed and permission is granted, the process of managing the street light cell mast programme will be transferred to Johannesburg Property Company to handle instead of City Power.

According to Truluck, this represents an important step going forward in holding the City entities to account.

“It has been a seven-month battle to get City Power to agree that projects like this need to be implemented correctly and not just imposed on communities.”

Resident Emily van der Merwe said, “The City likes doing things without our knowledge, although this may be a good project for us, they need to follow the rules and ask us for our opinion first.”

What are your thoughts on the street pole cell masts?