Concerns raised on the procedures around cell masts
BRYANSTON – Residents woke up to find that workers were in the process of constructing and erecting a cell tower, which by the end of the day was fully completed.
Residents in Sandton continue to fight the war against cell masts that appear almost overnight.
In a recent occurrence, residents living in Wilge Road in Riverclub came home to find that a cell tower had been erected at the end of the cul-de-sac. According to resident Robert Allen, the small community was completely unaware of the nature of the construction that was going on in the street.
“[The] residents assumed that the construction was of a small, residential nature such as construction of a new wall or lapa, and so believed it to be normal,” he said.
Only when the residents inquired about the nature of the construction on 20 June, did they become aware of the cell tower. “This project has been in the pipeline since mid to late last year, and at no stage was anyone in the street made aware of the project by the developers or by the owners of the residential property on which the tower is being erected,” Allen added.
A similar occurrence happened in Woodlands Avenue, Hurlingham on 28 July. Residents woke up to find that workers were in the process of constructing and erecting a cell tower, which by the end of the day was fully completed.
Allen said that as a community, the residents do not oppose the construction of the tower itself but are instead concerned about its location. Many other residents echoed the same concerns with a fear that the presence of the tower may reduce the value of their properties. “The tower can be relocated on the same property to a site where it will blend in with existing trees as an alternative,” said Allen.
According to Telkom, the owners of the mast in Wilge Road, the erection process of the mast was led by the City of Johannesburg. “Telkom, as the owner of the mast, has followed the building plan process as guided by the City,” said the service provider.
Although Telkom would not provide comment about the public participation process, City of Johannesburg stakeholder manger in the office of the MMC for Development Planning, Poppy Louw said that public participation was not mandatory.According to Louw, on the interpretation of Section 22 of the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005 (ECA), notice only needs to be given to the landowner and nobody else.
The City of Johannesburg did attempt to review its policies on the matter in 2017 amid complaints from residents who have raised concerns around the procedure requirements, particularly public participation, but its argument held no water against the legislation.
With the City’s plans in increase its Wi-Fi coverage over the next year and the rapid implementation of the 5G network, it is certain that issues surrounding public participation will continue to arise.
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/279779/mmc-asks-residents-for-patience-when-visiting-citys-customer-service-centres/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/279434/the-battle-against-potholes-continues/
