Proposed new cell phone tower in Dullstroom has locals concerned
Guest house owners and residents are up in arms about a planned cell phone tower in the middle of the town. This is a residential area with several prominent guest houses.
“We are begging everyone who loves Dullstroom to sign this petition and stop the madness,” said Ryno Mey, a guesthouse owner. Urban Signal issued a notice stating that the 36-metre tower and base station will be constructed in 219 Blue Crane Street. Mey said this tower will be an eyesore for guests, residents and visitors. It is also bordered on all sides by residential properties and there will be security issues if maintenance and work have to be done to the tower. Mey also mentioned potential health issues caused by radiation.
The construction proposal was lodged under old legislation (Ordinance 15 and the Emakhazeni Land Use Scheme, 2010) which had been replaced with new legislation (Emakhazeni Land Use Scheme, 2020 and Emakhazeni By-laws, 2015. According to the petitioners, the application in its current form is invalid. There was no community involvement or transparency towards the selection of the site.
“The first time we as neighbours became aware of the proposed tower was when the notice had gone up in front of 219 Blue Crane Street on Wednesday February 24. Under no circumstances do we want to stop technological advancement or improved telecommunication for the area, and we realise that the tower will provide benefits for the town. We, however, struggle to understand why the tower is being constructed in a residential area, instead of on one of the nearby hilltops or open land further away from residential areas. We are also of the opinion that struggling non-profit organisations, schools and/or previously disadvantaged communities with suitable vacant land available could benefit from the monthly income of such a tower instead of an individual beneficiary,” said Mey.
In chapter 9.2.7: Establishment of Telecommunication Infrastructure, the by-laws clearly state the municipality will not be in favour of these developments if these are in a residential zone, in an environmentally sensitive area, in areas of culturally significant heritage, in areas where it will have a significant visual impact and in localities where it may affect air traffic.
The petition may be viewed and signed at: Petition · The Municipal Manager Emakhazeni Municipality: Stop a new 36 metre cellphone mast and base station in the middle of Dullstroom · Change.org
