Communities Archives - EMFSA

Durban residents up in arms over cell mast

Editor — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 21:02:08 +0000

Source: https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/durban-residents-up-in-arms-over-cell-mast-49365790

By Siboniso Mngadi, Jun 14, 2020

Durban – Merewent residents have accused telecommunications company Atlas Towers Group of targeting “impoverished” communities by choosing to place a cell mast in their neighbourhood.

The company erects radio masts to improve wireless connectivity for mobile network operators. However, some Merewent residents say they believe the masts pose a serious health risk.

This week, angry residents came out in numbers and halted the erection of a mast inside a residential property on Umbria Road.

They staged a protest opposing the installation and asked the contractor to vacate the site.

Cell masts have been removed in some areas of Durban following public outcry.

Merewent residents who signed a petition with the assistance of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDEA) accused the company of flouting land-use by-laws by erecting the mast without the consent of residents.

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Victory in fight against cell mast

Editor — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:50:12 +0000

Thursday, October 10, 2019

By Lillian Amos

Heathfield residents have notched up a victory in their ongoing fight to stop the rapid increase of cell masts in the southern suburbs.

After three years of petitioning and advocating against the erection of a mast in Fourth Road in Heathfield, residents were relieved when the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that Telkom could not install cell masts without approval from the City of Cape Town.

In 2016 Telkom installed the cell mast at a house without applying to the City or implementing the proper public participation procedures.

The judgment was delivered on Wednesday September 25 after an appeal lodged by Telkom when the Western Cape High Court ruled in the City’s favour which affirmed the Municipal Planning By-law (MPBL) and the Telecommunications Mast Infrastructure Policy that service providers are constitutionally mandated to apply to the City before erecting cell masts.

Telkom planned to install 135 masts across Cape Town and installed seven without approval from the City.

Marian Nieuwoudt, Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, welcomed the court’s judgment.

“All land units within Cape Town’smunicipalboundaries have a base zoning that determines what the land can be used for, and how the land may be developed. This zoning, among others, is indicated in the Development Management Scheme that is included in the Municipal Planning By-law,” she said.

“Telkom argued that the MPBL does not apply to them and that they are free to install cellphone towers wherever they deem fit, irrespective whether the land is zoned for that use or
not.

“I’m pleased that the SCA dismissed this argument and that the judgment concurs with the order from the Western Cape High Court last year that Telkom is bound by the Municipal Planning By-law like all other developers and landowners in Cape Town,” said Ms Nieuwoudt.

Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate said residents had taken it upon themselves to drive a petition and engage the City about the legality of the structure.

“After a period of engagement the City decided to take up the matter legally. It took a long time and sometimes it is very difficult but after three years we’ve got a positive outcome; it is illegal.

“Telkom cannot just take it upon themselves to put up these structures. I commend the residents. The next step would be to dismantle the cell mast,” said Mr Southgate.

“This is a victory and shows that when a community stands together we can achieve so much more,” he said.

Resident Peter Gordon said when they initially realised what Telkom’s plans were, they immediately sprang into action before the 12-metre tower could be acti-
vated.

“We parked our cars in front of the house, we called the police
and had the workers cut the wires to ensure the mast was not activated. We did everything we
could to stop this in its tracks. It took two hours to put up the mast and years to get to this point,” he said.

Another resident, Deon de Wet, said their main concern was the health of the community.

“The frequency emitted from the towers create a fall-out. That fall-out affects some people and does cause cancer and other related illnesses. More research needs to be done to prove that these cell towers have a negative impact on people’s health,” he said.

Resident Gavin Joe was concerned that their property values would drop if there were a number of cell masts in the area.

“Because of this cell mast someone in the road cannot sell their house. The first thing you see when you come over the hill in Fourth Road is the mast, which is an eyesore. The other concern is also the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the towers that could have a negative effect on us living so close to it,” he said.

Kay Wentzel hopes this ruling will set a precedent.

“There are other cell masts in the area including one at Heathfield station since 2015. We are saying no to these cell masts and hoping this will set a precedent and that no more of these towers will be put up anymore,” she said.

Telkom has until Wednesday October 16 to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

“Should Telkom choose to appeal the judgment, the matter will be subjected to another legal process,” said Mr Southgate.

Telkom representatives did not respond to our enquiries by the time this edition went to print but issued a statement which said they would review the judgment and consider their options.

Source:

https://www.constantiabergbulletin.co.za/news/victory-in-fight-against-cell-mast-34523573?fbclid=IwAR3A9Vu9H_YSmbWIpoTFcA7_cKvz9aj_gE0keSd7HfdJZr14NPgRQOun1Pw

Added note by EMFSA:

It should not be necessary for communities and residents to be the watchdogs. Behind the scenes – the hard work from the community and activists, the amount of e mails that were ignored (or went round in circles). And what about the other illegal towers? Is it going to take the community yet again to instigate action or will the City ensure that they are removed immediately?

Image: EMFSA

Cape Town, South Africa: Illegal Heathfield Mast – Activists Fought Injustice

Telkom has until the 16th of October 2019 to decide whether they are going to appeal the ruling in the Constitutional Court.

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EMFSA September 2019 Newsletter

Editor — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:21:14 +0000

Our September 2019 Newsletter can be viewed at: https://mailchi.mp/7fbfa35f0406/emfnews

The post EMFSA September 2019 Newsletter appeared first on EMFSA.

Cape Town, South Africa: Illegal Heathfield Mast – Activists Fought Injustice

Editor — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 11:39:19 +0000

In a Supreme Court judgement of the 25th of September 2019 Telkom lost its Appeal. For activists it brings to close a long and hard battle.

This case is about a community – all of us – standing together to fight injustice:

Image: Heathfield, 4th Avenue, where families reported that their children regularly become ill.

-D Rowland assisted the community with her usual tenacity and pursued the matter relentlessly.

-Kay Wentzel, spokesperson for her Heathfield community.

-The late Muna Lakhani* , Justine Hansen from EMRSA and Olga Sheean.

17 May 2017 – Mrs Kay Wentzel’s letter to the City of Cape Town ( CoCT) :

In 2016 during the month of March, Telkom erected an illegal freestanding mast at house no 47, 4th road, Heathfield. No due process was followed. To this day, the mast still stands and is operational. This is a violation of the city’s telecommunications infrastructure policy. The city has acknowledged the mast to be illegal (emails archived since 2016- 2017 for your request).

Ms XXX ( details removed) – I am sure you have been informed of this matter along with so many others. Our communities have been impacted negatively and we need the city’s support in having the masts removed.

After my husband passed in 2013 I was given the opportunity to invest in the suburb Heathfield after twenty five years of renting. I purchased a ruined home in 2014, did eight months of renovation and finally felt content,safe and home. The feeling of owning a home, a space that is yours to enjoy and embrace with your family. The content feeling was short lived due to the illegal mast being erected in close proximity to my home. I would not purchase a property if towers were visible, so clearly this has an impact on our investment.

How do we move forward in a positive manner to ensure our community has peace of mind knowing their health and investment won’t be compromised. Our answer would be to have the masts removed and alternative options to be explored and considered.

I trust this letter is read with compassion for people and a healthy Cape.

I thank you in advance and appreciate your assistance in this regard.

On behalf of our community. K Wentzel

Note: For over two years the community was subjected to the radiation output from this illegal tower. (The mast was only deactivated after the last high court ruling in May 2018).

Despite strong objections from the community and countless letters to city officials (including the Mayor Patricia de Lille) the tower remained operational. Only after its erection and the uproar of the community was the community notified of the objection application process. Many further emails to Mayor Patricia de Lille were ignored. Requests for a meeting with the communities of Heathfield, Mitchell’s Plain, Forest Glade and Manenberg to discuss cell tower placements were denied because the mayor’s calendar was ‘booked up’.

Ms Rowland appealed to MEC Minister Anton Bredell with her correspondence being forwarded to Ms Bettie Leedo – Head of Environmental Affairs. Councillor Kevin Southgate became involved and supported investigation of the process involved in placement of this tower.

This case was featured in a document written at Ms Rowlands’ request, by Canadian Olga Sheean ‘Challenging the towers that be’ – an appeal to Cape Town Councillors – emailed during December 2016 and copied to ALL in authority within this city to implement change (including Mayor Patricia de Lille). NO confirmations of receipt were ever received by Ms Sheean.

Finally, 27th of September 2019, OVER THREE YEARS after the mast was erected:

Ms Wentzel comments about the Supreme Court judgement:

“Today is a day of absolute gratitude to all those involved in creating a voice of rejection for the erection of a cell mast in our neighborhood. This has been fought relentlessly and Denise Rowland has shown no signs of backing down. An absolute honor meeting you on this journey and it exemplifies through unity we can achieve a desired result.

My community namely Heathfield whom I became an activist for during these invasive cell tower erections appreciates the efforts and support of all involved.

We trust the ruling would set precedent for more illegal masts to fall.

Communities should voice their dissatisfaction and support each other through the process, it’s tedious but don’t give up.”

In June 2019 EMFSA commented:

How many more similarly unlawfully erected cell towers are there across South Africa?

Municipalities should, as standard practice, prevent illegal towers from being erected in the first place – it should not be necessary for communities to play the role of the watchdog. To cite lack of manpower to monitor these events is unacceptable.

Who is paying for all these court cases? How much is it costing the taxpayer?

EMFSA requests an urgent public investigation into this matter by the authorities.

*The 22nd 0f September was Muna Lakhani’s birthday. We are sorry that Muna is no longer with us to share the good news of the Supreme Court Judgement.

References:

Four cell towers metres from where children live and play – South Africa

Unlawful cell towers South Africa – legal precedent set by court and future implications.

Telkom vs City of Cape Town:Telkom heads for the Supreme Court!

Telkom loses court appeal over location of cellphone masts in Western Cape

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Stop 5G Georges River Community Awareness Event Sept 2019

Editor — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 07:23:56 +0000

A community awareness event held in Kogarah for the Stop 5G Georges River Action Group, aimed at informing local communities about the urgent health and safety concerns around the current rollout of 5G and associated wireless technologies. All slides and content contained in this video are the intellectual property of each of the three expert speakers and can be found on their website and youtube channel.

Speaker 1: Dr. Richard Cullen (BSc Physics, PhD Electrical Engineering) YOUTUBE: The EMF Inspector

Speaker 2: Dr. Dariusz Leszczynski (PhD Biochemistry, DSc Molecular Biology; retired) WEBSITE: https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordp…

Speaker 3: Barrister Raymond Broomhall LLB GDLP WEBSITE: https://emrlegaleducation.com

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Opposition to 5G small cell deployment spreads across US

Editor — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 22:55:46 +0000

Source: https://www.rcrwireless.com/20190826/5g/opposition-to-5g-small-cell-deployment-spreads-across-us

Many consider 5G small cell installations to be at best an eye sore and at worst a serious health risk

By Catherine Sbeglia on AUGUST 26, 2019

5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, will give consumers access to more information faster and make businesses more efficient, and will create an unprecedented level connectivity around the world. However, 5G also requires high-band spectrum, which penetrates poorly and has weak coverage area, resulting in the need for small antenna systems, or small cell systems, to be deployed in large numbers and in close proximity to one another.

According to a 2018 report from the CTIA, the number of deployed small cells is predicted to increase from 86,000 in 2018 to more than 800,000 by 2026.

While these frequently placed small cell towers are necessary for 5G deployment, they are being met with hesitation — and in some cases, downright disdain — by residents and tribal and environmental groups who at best, consider the towers an eye sore and at worst, a serious health risk.

All across the U.S., from California to Colorado to New York, concerns are pouring in. In fact, despite not having yet received a single proposal to deploy small cell 5G wireless towers within town limits, the Mill Valley, CA city council voted unanimously to block deployments of 5G towers in the city’s residential areas by activating an urgency ordinance. Mill Valley officials cited an increase in cancer risks and other health problems that the EMF Safety Network has associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields as motivation behind the decision.

Further south in San Francisco, the California Supreme Court ruled in April that San Francisco can reject 5G wireless equipment that doesn’t meet local aesthetic standards.

And while the Common Council in Syracuse, NY ultimately approved Verizon’s proposed 5G small cell tower installations, the decision to do so was in no way unanimous, passing by five to three. During a meeting before the Syracuse vote took place, Common Council President Helen Hudson revealed that the council received numerous calls and letters from residents regarding the potential health risks of 5G.

These health concerns arise from the fact small cell towers must be placed close together and in large numbers. In Syracuse, for example, they will be installed on nearly every block, resulting in constant, long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation, and this, many argue, might have unknown side effects.

Most experts and organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Environmental Protection Agency don’t classify radiofrequency radiation as cancer-causing for humans; this, however, has done little to quiet those in opposition.

Much to the dismay of those who fear the health risks, or those who don’t want network infrastructure obscuring their view, facilitating the deployment of small cells necessary to support 5G networks is a priority for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, who continues to push for the reduction of regulatory requirements for small wireless facilities.

Source – see link below:

Opposition to 5G small cell deployment spreads across US

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Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Gerry Lederer Discusses Cities’ 5G Challenges with the Wall Street Journal

Editor — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 11:29:52 +0000

Source:

https://www.bbklaw.com/news-events/news-room/2019/in-the-news/07/partner-gerry-lederer-discusses-cities-5g-challen?utm_source=Social_Media&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=ITN_Gerry_5G_WSJ&utm_content=In_the_News

JUL 08, 2019

Communities Are Having a Hard Time Keeping Up with Wiring Permits

For the Wall Street Journal article “The Downside of 5G: Overwhelmed Cities, Torn-Up Streets, a Decade Until Completion,” Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Gerry Lederer discussed the impact of 5G on communities. In an interview with the newspaper, the telecommunications law attorney said cities are having a hard time keeping up with the permits.

Gerry, who represents municipalities in an attempt to overturn FCC rules that dictate how cities must respond to industry 5G permits, noted that most the 5G build-out is only in the planning stage. “The real onslaught has not yet begun,” he said.

Learn more about the FCC’s actions, and cities’ efforts to oppose them, in these recent Legal Alerts:

https://www.bbklaw.com/News-Events/Insights/2019/Legal-Alerts/04/Ordinance-Regulating-Aesthetics-of-Wireless-in-Pub

https://www.bbklaw.com/News-Events/Insights/2019/Legal-Alerts/01/New-FCC-Shot-Clocks-and-Other-Rules-Preempting-Loc

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Guest Blog from Dr. Don Maisch, Australia: ‘Are community concerns over the 5G network rollout based on unfounded anxiety or valid evidence?’

Editor — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:42:41 +0000

Source:

Guest Blog from Dr. Don Maisch, Australia: ‘Are community concerns over the 5G network rollout based on unfounded anxiety or valid evidence?’

Excerpt:

Overview:

5^th generation (5G) wireless technology, as the name indicates, is the next generation wireless communication network from 4G and 4G LTE. Once fully implemented it will predominantly operate in the millimetre (mm) radiofrequency band which will allow much higher data transfer necessary for driverless vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), faster video downloads as well as other applications, including military. The downside of 5G mmWave, however, is that the signals do not penetrate objects readily such as buildings and foliage, in comparison to the lower frequencies. This necessitates a far denser network of 5G small cell antennas which will be mounted on power poles, light poles, street furniture, bus shelters, etc. which in many cases will be close to homes, workplaces and public areas. In some cases internal antennas in buildings will also be used. This will result in higher chronic radiofrequency exposures to humans in these areas. The high number of small cells needed for an effective 5G network is causing community disquiet and that, combined with many scientific unknowns about the possible biological effects of prolonged exposure to mm waves, is resulting in increasing community opposition in Australia and internationally. As community opposition is most likely going to increase as 5G infrastructure continues to be rolled out nationally, the question arises: Is this opposition to 5G warranted or not? (See more at the link)

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Protest leads to removal of cell mast from school

Editor — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 07:27:39 +0000

Credit for this post: Chatsworth Rising Sun, Journalist Yoshini Perumal https://risingsunchatsworth.co.za/131228/protest-leads-removal-cell-mast-school/

The mast was taken down following the protest.

Residents of Arena Park mobilised and marched to Crestview Primary School on Human Rights Day after receiving messages that the cell mast, which was initially objected to, was reinstalled. According to Chatsworth Community Policing Forum chairman, Jakes Singh, members of the school governing body were present and have also expressed shock as they had no knowledge of the work resuming.

“Initially, attempts by the parent component of the SGB to talk to the principal reached a stalemate as he did not respond to their calls. An activist present called him and he responded by saying that he was out of town. The principal initially claims to be standing with the community on this issue but was the signatory to grant approval to this cell mast being erected on the school campus. Angry parents have pointed out that this principal, who resides outside Chatsworth, somewhere in the North Coast, does not have the interest nor cares for the safety of the children attending the school,” added Singh.

Residents came out to the site in their numbers to object to the erection of the mast.

After the residents objected strongly to the construction of the tower and threatened to camp at the site where the mast was erected until it is taken down, all workers and equipment were removed from the school.

“The contactors on site were spoken to but they said that they cannot stop the work as they were contracted by ATC the company in charge. Members of the school governing body were present and have also expressed shock as they had no knowledge of the work resuming. Residents engaged in discussions with the contactors and one of them had the audacity to report that the crane used does not have capacity to lift out the erected mast. It was then that the parents owed not to move from the school and will not let any construction vehicle, personnel, or equipment to leave the premises until the mast comes down,” he added.

Singh alleged that the principal was contacted several times, and was invited to come over and meet with the parents and residents.

He was thereafter asked by the parents to stop work on the erection of the mast and to bring it down.

“Finally, the principal instructed the contractor to stop work and to bring down the mast. The message from parents to the principal was very clear: that they will not leave until the mast comes down. Preparations for parents to camp overnight were well on the way. Residents united and in a show of strength, have exercised their democratic right on Human Rights Day and have sent a very strong message that the school belongs to the community and they need to be consulted on matters that affect them,” he said.

Residents braved the inclement weather and sacrificed their day off from work, to take a stand and show that they are committed and mean business.

“Heavy machinery were on the playfields and fire hoses were used to take water for construction purposes. The SGB members stood with the community and have supported the cause. This peaceful protest has demonstrated that unity is strength,” he added.

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“Illusion of Inclusion” – The Farce of Public Participation

Editor — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:33:41 +0000

Cell Tower at AGS Church, Number 5 Breda Street, Vergesig, Durbanville:

Image credit: D. Rowland, EMFSA

The Vergesig case is only one of many examples illustrating the “Illusion of Inclusion” farce. This is in regards to public participation, communities and cell tower placements. Communities are simply ignored and/or overruled.

Backgound:

The council received a substantial amount of objections to this mast. In addition a petition was circulated in the immediate area against this mast and base station leading up to the Municipal Planning Tribunal hearing. In less than six days, 202 residents signed this petition. The application for the free standing base tower was rejected by the Municipal Planning Tribunal on Tuesday April 11, 2017.

Highwave Consultants then appealed the decision of the Municipal Planning Tribunal.

MAYCO disregarded all the objections and approved the cell-tower, with the (then) Mayor de Lille personally signing approval for the tower.

Vergesig-Aurora Residents’ Association chairwoman Verne Jankielsohn said they had written to various members of the DA and the City to help with their fight, but to no avail. They had approached the Cape Party, which agreed to take on the case pro-bono.

The Cape Party (on behalf of the Vergesig-Aurora Residents’ Association) filed court papers in the Western Cape High Court late last year. The City filed opposing papers in January.

Advocate Carlo Viljoen said the Cape Party promoted the principle of direct democracy, endorsing the idea that the people of an area should make decisions regarding their lives and not a politician, and therefore decided to take on this case.

“It’s clear in this instance that the will of the people was not to have a mast erected. In addition, it’s clear that there is no need for the mast, and that the erection of the mast is an illogical step by the DA, based on considerations outside the will of the people, legal considerations or need,” he said.

The case is to be heard in the Cape Town High Court in February.

First respondent: Patricia de Lille (she was the executive mayor when the tower was approved)

Second respondent: Highway Consultants (PTY) LTD

Objections included:

Property values decreasing
Ruining of the area’s rural image
Health concerns
A crèche is being operated from the church – in close proximity to the mast.
Alternative proposed sites were ignored
Residents also complained that they had not been properly consulted.
No need for added telecommunication services

EMFSA is very concerned that a cell tower was placed in an area where the most vulnerable in our society might be at risk. The Precautionary Principle was clearly ignored by the then Mayor Patricia de Lille and MAYCO. We note that some residents in close proximity to the tower are complaining of disrupted sleep since the tower became active.

Images credit: D.Rowland, EMFSA

References:

Verne Jankielsohn
Denise Rowland
EMFSA notes on Cell Towers and the Precautionary Principle. www.emfsa.co.za
Panel approves Vergesig tower https://www.northernnews.co.za/news/panel-approves-vergesig-tower11379050?fbclid=IwAR1taivoemTwFbZmMleBiuN4JHjJfw4XMu6_kwFFVKv7rjoSL4PEpNsDRa4
Church cellphone mast soars towards heaven after planning rumpus https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-09-03-church-cellphone-mast-soars-towards-heaven-after-planning-rumpus/

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