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Residents object to cellphone mast
South Africa Created: 9 May 2008
Hillcrest residents are fuming over the proposed erection of a cellphone mast in the area, saying it will have harmful repercussions for the community.

The mast, for use by MTN customers, is to be erected on the property of the South African Local Government Association (Salga).

Spokeswoman for the group of residents, Sarah Edwards, said there were concerns about the health and aesthetic implications of the structure.

"The primary concern is regarding the aesthetics of a 30m industrial mast. This could result in property prices dropping in the area.

Concerned

"As a mother, I am also concerned about the well-documented effects of the electro-magnetic frequencies emitted from these masts and how they will affect our children.

"I even choose not to have a 3G (wireless internet) card because I don't believe in exposing my children to any potential harm," Edwards said.

She said that residents "want answers" and each has their own reasons for the objection to the structure.

Executive Environmental Network, contracted by MTN to establish the impact the mast would have on the environment, offered residents the opportunity to object to the erection of the mast in December last year and, two weeks ago, scheduled a meeting to hear the views of residents.

Assessment

According to an e-mail sent by Executive Environmental Network's environmental impact assessment manager, Stephanie le Hanie, the agenda for the meeting is to "discuss the reasons for the objections lodged".

"The initial notice about the mast was put up before Christmas last year and we were given a two-week period to object," said Edwards.

A resident, Justin Foxcroft, said: "If we allow things like this to be thrust upon us, we'll eventually be overrun by it."

The meeting between the residents and a representative from the Executive Environmental Network will take place tomorrow at Hillcrest High School at 6pm.
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Source: Independent Online, DASEN THATHIAH, 08 May 2008

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