Residents’ fury over cell tower construction

Local residents are against the construction of a cell phone tower in their neighbourhood, which they argue is being constructed without following correct procedures.

Residents on Swaeltjie Road are also worried about the possible long-term health effects of being exposed to the radio frequencies.

The residents also worry about the crime the tower may attract and the potential loss in property value.

Concerned resident Nick Tsatsoulis said, “Two days ago, the entire community, who we feel are against the project, did not know that the construction was going ahead. And almost overnight construction was taking place.

“Towers like these are filled with valuable batteries and copper cables, and we don’t need this extra worry. And with this and the worry about the health risks, it only puts people off moving to the area.”

Concerned resident Cristina Owen said, “Long-term exposure to this kind of radiation can only be bad. I have done research on this since I heard about the project in May, and some studies show a negative impact, and others show that no harm will be caused. There is just too much conflicting information.”

The company responsible for the construction, ATC SA, said that they had followed all the correct procedures before any construction took place.

ATC SA’s Rhoda O’Hara said, “[Our company] has followed due process and complied with the legislative requirements in terms of acquiring all relevant permits and approvals in order to proceed with the erection and construction of the telecommunications tower mast.”

For the full story, read your November 23 edition of the Randburg Sun.

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