Residents in Sharonlea are up in arms following the erection of a street pole cell mast in the area.
Chairperson of the Central Sharonlea Resident’s Forum, Richard Shuttle says he is flabbergasted as residents were allegedly never told about the project.
“We are very angry and this is so disrespectful because no one in the area was informed about it,” said Shuttle.
“The people who installed the cell mast don’t have any respect for us,” he said, adding that residents are willing to fight to get the cell mast removed.
Shuttle also highlighted that the forum will host a public meeting to address the issue.
Meanwhile, Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau said cellular networks have become part of everyday life.
“As the Democratic Alliance we have always shown concern in respect of the radiation levels experienced around cellular towers,” he said.
However, Bittkau added in this respect that his party has always advocated that cell masts should be a minimum of 25 metres distance from residences or where people spend eight or more hours per day.
“The new street light masts, or as they are also referred to mini-masts, have a far lower radiation output which brings this safe zone down to within 10 metres.
“As these are on street lights outside properties. The concerns around radiation exposure are minimised to such an extent as to be of no consequence. It is with this in mind that I am willing to endorse the installation of these street-light masts in order to boost the signal in the required areas,” concluded Bittkau.
It is not yet known which telecommunications company installed the street cell mast.
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