Telkom responds to objection of Alberante mobile tower

After heated emotions, Alberante senior residents have collectively objected to the erecting of a mobile tower which is believed to be a 5G cellphone mast.

The residents’ concerns surrounding the mobile tower did not land on deaf ears as they eventually caught Ward 106 councillor alderman Bruna Haipel’s attention.

The Telkom mast, of which construction is underway already, is based in Jacqueline Street and will reportedly be a 35m tall tree mast.

Haipel, like many other residents, was also taken by surprise about the erection of the mast. Many people believe these cellphone signal towers are associated with high radiation. 

Norman Birch, an Alberante resident who is at his wits’ end, told the RECORD that the mast is being built on his doorstep. He said he did not even have an opportunity to object to the decision and that he is worried the mast will devalue his property.

“As we understand, we were the only residents in the surrounding area that were informed of an application to erect a cellphone tower on this property. We received a letter in November 2019. At the time when the letter was posted we were on holiday, and only arrived back after the objection lodgement period,” said Birch.

Birch said he is convinced that other surrounding residents would have submitted their comments or objections during the given timeframe if they were all informed. He also suggested that developers find an alternative position to erect the mobile tower.

Haipel reiterated that she was not aware of these developments and that she was in support of the residents’ heartfelt concerns.

“I certainly have the concern of all residents at heart, no request for comments came to me. The public participation process in this case left a lot to be desired. The position of the tower in Jacqueline Street is very badly chosen and with the assistance of the developer I am hoping to have it moved,” she said.

As a form of public participation, Haipel informed the RECORD that she was told by the City of Ekurhuleni’s official that a notice that has been placed on the fence is sufficient.

She said she had also received a threating letter from a resident holding her liable for any problems faced from the tower.

Haipel said they will continue to follow this process closely to ensure the rights of property owners are protected.
However, Mooketsi Mocumi, Telkom spokesperson, assured the RECORD that the mast is not a 5G site but simply a cellphone tower which will benefit residents.

“I have spoken to the contractors and they told me there’s a lot of technical work that has been done. It will just be a normal cellphone tower, we don’t have a 5G yet. The tower will look like a tree and will create a better network coverage. This will add value to the area as there’ll be good connectivity,” said Mocumi.

Guided by CoE

Mocumi said: “The importance of having towers in specific areas is to make sure that Telkom can service its customers in these areas. In the case of Alberante, our contractors worked with the local councillor to appoint a community liaison officer. We also employ skilled local labour to ensure that the community benefits from the construction of the tower.”

He also said their antennae and radio equipment are inspected and tested by Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and are in line with safety standards.

“Telkom follows the regulations as provided by the CoE’s by-laws regarding the erection of masts and towers. The mast erection process is led by the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality. Telkom as the owner of the mast follows the building plan process as guided by the city,” said Mocumi.

He said they will be continuing building the mast and that moving into 5G is something they are looking at on their sites.