A 25 metre high MTN cell mast on Leslie Avenue in Rosehill has been approved. The move has angered local residents who met last week outside the property where the cell mast would be installed to voice their discontent and anger.

More than 20 residents confirmed they would be sending in a strong objection to fight the approval despite the decision to approve the installation. They believe they can overturn the decision. Rentia Klaassen, who is leading the resident’s objections said the community of Rosehill stood together in their opposition.

“The community is well prepared for the fight with the eThekweni Municipality and we will do what it takes to avoid being exposed to another cell tower in our neighbourhood. There is already a tower only 200 metres away in Union Crescent from the proposed sight in Leslie Avenue,” she said.

Joanne Hathrill, who was among the victorious residents to win their cell tower battle on Kenneth Kaunda (Northway) Road was also in attendance to lend her support to the residents’ voices.

“Joanne, and her husband, is assisting the Rosehill community with guidance and valuable input with their appeal. The dangers of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell towers are real and does affects all of us. We are the people who live in the houses and who will be suffering the ill effects of the council’s bad decisions. The constitution says everyone has the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health and well being, this is what we are fighting for,” Klaassen said.

Klaasen and other residents expressed their unhappiness over what they termed the ‘unwillingness’ of cell phone giant MTN to speak to residents.

“The residents of the property where the cell mast and base station will be erected have been repeatedly asked to engage with the community and we have even asked to bring MTN to address the community but they have refused all means of communication.

“Another concerning point was that only some of the residence received the Registered Approval letter asking for the appeal, how did the council decided who get the letter and who does not? We also contacted the nine leading real estate agencies in the Durban North area and they all agreed (in writing) that there will be a negative effect in the market value of all the properties in the area of the cell tower. The owner of the property will be financially rewarded for the cell tower while all his neighbours will be losing money because of his decision.” she said.

Despite emails to the MTN press office, there has been no response given.