Fibre installation welcomed by Kensington residents

Kensington residents have welcomed the roll-out of the fibre optic communication infrastructure in the suburb.

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A meeting was held on February 12 when Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen and Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha invited Vumatel to conduct a presentation to inform residents about the project and to answer residents’ questions regarding the installation.

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“As councillors, we are required to allow the community to participate when major infrastructure projects are about to happen and can only sign off their consent when the majority present at the meeting, agree with the proposal,” said Da Rocha.

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He said residents must understand that this is not a City of Joburg project.

“As councillors, we don’t endorse Vumatel or any other service provider. This installation will be subject to the process of public consultation,” said Da Rocha.

A presentation by Vumatel representative Dewald Booysen explained the process of installation.

Booysen explained to residents that minimal trenching will be done where the fibre has to cross busy intersections as this is always a concern residents have about digging.

“The fibre network will be installed above ground by stringing the fibre between lamp posts and city power poles.

“We have obtained permission from the municipality to use existing infrastructure. We might erect new poles where we need to connect the cables,” said Booysen.

“The fibre will be brought into the house where a small white box will be installed that converts the fibre signals into copper wiring (CAT5) cable which can be connected to a router with WiFi or other computer-like equipment.

“There is a once off charge for the installation, payable to Vumatel and after that residents have the choice of choosing their own internet service providers who charge monthly.

“After installation, Vumatel will maintain the network, prevent the cable from sagging and in consultation with landscapers, take care of the pruning of trees and execute repairs if necessary,” said Booysen.

Schools in the area will receive free installation of a one-gigabyte line.

The actual installation will be done by Vumatel and a project manager will be on site during the installation.

If residents have any issues, they can take those up with the project manager.

“Our teams can be recognised by their pink vests. We advise residents to interact with them and assist where they can,” said Booysen.

Vumatel also installed fibre in Observatory last year and said residents have been pleased with the results.

The installation will start as soon as the necessary paperwork is finalised for all parties involved.

“We will keep updating residents on the project. We cannot say exactly when we are going to start because we have weather issues and that can affect the progress of the project.

“It’s important to note that once the roll-out has started, it cannot be stopped anymore,” said Booysen.

Residents can contact Tevesh Pather via email: tevesh.pather@vumatel.co.za or call 072-609-5765 or Dewald Booysen via email dewald.booysen@vumatel.co.za or call 082-900-3020 kensington@vumatel.co.za

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