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.

Ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, in May 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.

“Those living with autoimmune diseases, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals face heightened risk. Why is the City gambling with our health?”

“The majority of residents were not informed about the planned mast. The burden of awareness and mobilisation has fallen on individuals who happened to discover the proposal via social media by chance. There has been no meaningful community consultation or notice placed in shared apartment spaces or public walkways.”

She said via the petition that it would also have an impact on visual pollution and heritage.

In a health report shared with the Cape Argus, Dr Marion Weston, a homeopathic practitioner, echoed the medical concerns by residents.

“Given the current evidence and the potential for long-term health effects, I do not recommend residing in close proximity to telecommunications towers, especially where high levels of RF-EMFs are consistently present.”

Jowell said they were aware of the residents' objections, which have been sent to the leasing coordinator, adding that that all protocols were followed.

“The advert for the proposed leasing of the 4m2 section was advertised in line with the legislation for leasing of space from the City,” she said.

“This included an advert in the media. Given that many people may not see it in that format, I ensured that it was placed on social media for a wider reach within the community, and ensured that the local ratepayers association was also made aware of it. 

"All regulatory processes have been followed. I am aware that the City has received a large number of objections to the lease from the surrounding community and these have been sent through to the leasing coordinator.

"All of this input will then be collated into a consolidated report that will then be presented at our sub-council meeting sometime during the third quarter.

"It will be there that myself and the sub-council will make a recommendation on the application based on all the input receive.”

The City of Cape Town in their response, said: “The zoning designation for 10A Avenue Marseilles, Sea Point permits only a minor freestanding base telecommunication station and a minor rooftop base telecommunication station, subject to the City’s consent.

“To date, no application for such consent has been received.

“Please note that if the proposed 'cell tower' is intended for the property adjacent to 10A Avenue Marseilles in Sea Point, the zoning regulations allow for the erection of both a minor freestanding base telecommunication station and a minor rooftop base telecommunication station as of right.” 

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