City Power of Johannesburg concluded an agreement with MTN (Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd) to replace any streetlight in residential Johannesburg with cellphone network antennas.

This agreement took place without consultation with residents.

The roll out of the project began on 14 August 2014 without notice to any of the residents of the northern suburbs. Councillors were given two days notice leaving them little time for action. Outrage and strong objection from the residents ensued resulting in City Power temporarily suspending the project on15 September 2014.

The replacing of streetlights with MTN cellphone antennas has started again in Joburg East. Councillor Carlos Da Rocha was notified by email on 1 April of MNT’s intention to erect the first two antennas, one in Observatory and the other Kensington. The deadline for objection was set for 17 April 2015 but no one, not even the residents who are most affected, were consulted or notified by the parties concerned.

To Councillor Da Rocha

Ward 66 F

I/we strongly object to cellular network antennas in our neighbourhood for the following reasons:

1. Residents have not been consulted and given any opportunity to participate in discussions or voice concerns.

2. With extra cellular antennas erected in even closer proximity to homes, businesses, schools and hospitals, the added exposure to electromagnetic radiation increases the risk of poor and chronic health.

3. The automatic drop in value of our properties.

Residents have not been given any information what so ever on the extent of the project therefore other reasons may arise.

From: The Residents of Ward 66