Concerns raised over proposed Marburg cell tower erection
The Marburg site has been selected as network coverage in the area has been found to be inadequate.
The community of Marburg is concerned at the proposed erection of a cellular mast in Ridge Road. Some of their concerns are health-related because of radio-radiation frequency emitted at varying frequencies from such masts; devaluation of properties and buyers unwilling to purchase properties because of the stigma of the ‘hazardous nature’ of the towers.
ALSO READ : Ray Nkonyeni Municipality invites comment on erection of cell phone tower in Marburg
The Marburg site has been selected as network coverage in the area has been found to be inadequate. It would provide for both voice and data requirements for the surrounding community and would provide mobile operators with enhanced cellular communications coverage to the surrounding areas as well as for commuters on the transportation routes. This increased cellular network coverage would in turn alleviate congestion and dropped calls resulting in enhanced connectivity.
The company responsible for the erection of the proposed tower explained in its presentation to Ray Nkonyeni Municipality with the need for 4G technology, which is currently available, and planning for 5G technology, new towers are required within the network to deal with coverage and capacity issues. 5G will offer data transfer speeds equivalent to fibre or better (100Mbps+) and will be imperative in non-urbanised communities where fibre access is not feasible to rollout.
For a 5G network to function cellphone towers will have to double or treble in order to accommodate the technology and ensure good service to customers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is conducting a health risk assessment from exposure to radiofrequencies, covering the entire radiofrequency range, including 5G, to be published by 2022. It will review scientific evidence related to potential health risks from 5G exposure as the new technology is deployed, and as more public health-related data becomes available.
The organisation established the International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project in 1996. The project investigates the health impact of exposure to electric and magnetic fields in the frequency range 0-300 GHz and advises national authorities on EMF radiation protection. WHO also advocates for further research into the possible long-term health impacts of all aspects of mobile-telecommunications.
The organisation identifies and promotes related research priorities. It also develops public information materials and promotes dialogue among scientists, governments, and the public to increase understanding around health and mobile communications. Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has issued a notice inviting comments on the application it received for the construction of a free standing cellular communication base station with a 23 metre tree mast, antennae, equipment containers and 2,4 metre height pallisade fencing on Erf 253 Marburg. The street address is 9 Ridge Road, Marburg.
A copy of the application (No: 037/2020) received in terms of the above is available for inspection between 7.30am and 4pm at the municipal offices, ERF 666 Crescent Road, Uvongo (By appointment only). Written comment may be submitted to the Head of Department: Development Planning Services by September 11, 2020.Post to P O Box 5, Port Shepstone 4240; Fax: 086 529 7064 or email: letitia.bense@rnm.gov.za Enquiries may be directed to Letitia Bense on 039 315 9241.
HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
