Residents object to new cell tower in Sea Point

THE City of Cape Town is considering the lease of municipal-owned property to facilitate telecommunication infrastructure a move that has drawn significant objection from residents in the upscale suburbs of Sea Point and Fresnaye.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

Last month ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, called on residents to participate and comment on the proposal for the cell tower at 10A Avenue Marseilles, Sea Point.

But irate residents have demanded the immediate rejection of the lease, citing concerns regarding health implications.

Gill Taylor, a resident who started the online petition titled “Stop the cell tower installation at Ave Marseilles, Fresnaye - Protect Our Homes and Heritage”, said they submitted reports on the health risks of such an installation to the City as part of their objection.

“This proposed installation, on a small portion of ±4.4m², is not just a technical upgrade, it is a decision that will affect the health, safety, property values, and character of our neighbourhood for years to come.

“The City’s own guidelines discourage this type of installation in close proximity to homes, yet this proposal does exactly that.