GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Members of the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRPA) have raised misgivings about the planned erection of new 25-meter-high telecommunication towers in Graaff-Reinet. 

According to GRRPA, five applications were received, the most recent of which was published in Graaff-Reinet Advertiser on Thursday 6 July.

Sites of two towers

•  TDC Leasing on behalf of AFM of SA and Eagle Towers of SA applied for a freestanding telecommunication base station at the Apostolic Faith Mission of SA at 8 Cloete Street and a relaxation of the street building lines on the corner of Way- and Mainier streets in Spandauville.
• Another application was received from Urban Scope Consulting CC on behalf of SBA Towers for a telecommunications mast and the relaxation of the building line and height restrictions at Club Libertas at 22 Bourke Street.
• At the time of going to press, Graaff-Reinet Advertiser could not establish where the other three proposed towers would be located or which companies had submitted the applications.

GRRPA concerns

GRRPA members have several concerns that relate to possible health hazards and the aesthetics of the towers.

SBA Towers explains that the mobile network operators (MNOs) need a tower site in the Bourke Street area due to mobile coverage needs and connectivity issues in the immediate surroundings. SBA Towers says the needs are primarily dictated by mobile users and the demand for data and coverage. "The need for towers in residential communities has become necessary, particularly post-Covid, with more residents working from home. Erecting the tower in another area will not provide the required coverage in the area where it is needed," says SBA Towers.

Regarding concerns relating to health hazards, SBA Towers states that the National Department of Health issued a statement in March 2019 saying there is no confirmed scientific evidence indicating health hazards associated with the low levels of exposure typically experienced near cellular base stations. A referenced letter in this regard was made available to the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser. Read the letter at Letter-health-effects-of-masts-phones-March-2019.pdf (sahpra.org.za). SBA Towers also made available resource documents referencing independent scientific studies, international public health organisations, and governments on the topic of cellular base stations, electromagnetic radiation, and human health. The document provides an overview of the scientific consensus regarding the health effects of cellular base stations and mobile networks, stating there is no evidence of health risks associated with these technologies and related infrastructure.

In France, a number of court cases have ruled that cell towers close to homes and schools be removed due to the electromagnetic waves emitted, but the courts stated that the rulings were a precautionary measure until further research could be conducted to determine a more conclusive outcome.

Notification of tower

A GRRPA member says when asked, 80% of residents near the proposed Bourke Street tower were unaware of the application.

Residents feel there are more than enough towers already. SBA Towers says towers built by them are MNO neutral towers that can host all the MNOs in South Africa in order to enhance connectivity and coverage for all mobile users.

"We work closely with all MNOs to identify areas where there are demand for improved coverage. Our towers directly contribute to a more connected country and assisting in closing the existing digital divide. Therefore, if there are towns in the Sarah Baartman District that is in need of improved coverage, we would like to assist the local communities and MNOs in being a key contributor to the successful improvement of connectivity in the particular area. We would welcome the support of the community to identify additional locations where we could potentially deploy passive telecommunication infrastructure."

SBA Towers says they are working closely with the municipality to ensure that the structure meets the aesthetical requirements and will paint it a neutral colour or disguise it in the form of a tree.

Municipality quiet

Graaff-Reinet Advertiser has sent requests for comment on the 22 Bourke Street application to the municipality since 26 June, but at the time of going to press, no response had been received.

However, Bennie Groenewald, Chairperson of Club Libertas at 22 Bourke Street, says that, in addition to the publication of the application notice, a municipal notice is attached to the gate of the premises.

He says residents were afforded the opportunity to comment on the application

and no final contract has been concluded.

Month to comment

Regarding the Cloete Street application, residents have until 17 August to submit their comments and objections.

This should be submitted in writing to:

• The Applicant at 50 Cleonie Crescent, Charlo, 6070 or Billy Daniels at 0837240507 and/or billy@tdcl.co.za.
• A copy of the submission must also be sent to the Municipal Manager at PO Box 71, Graaff-Reinet, 6280 or emailed to matyaf@bnlm.gov.za and camngcan@bnlm.gov.za.

(A request for comment was sent to the reverend of the Apostolic Faith Mission of SA but at the time of going to press, no response had been received.)

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