Councillors reject call for probe on cell tower risks

COUNCILLORS in Nelson Mandela Bay shot down a motion by the DA that possible health risks of the cellphone tower at the NG Kerk Eendrag be investigated, saying the opposition party did not think much of similar concerns raised when wind turbines were put up in Blue Horizon Bay.

Despatch residents have been up in arms over the construction of a second cellphone tower, this time by Cell C, complaining that they were not given a proper chance to object to the plan.

There was an existing tower at the church used by MTN.

DA Despatch councillor Francois Greyling implored the council yesterday to conduct studies into concerns about the radiation from the tower.

"The cellphone tower currently under construction at Eendrag Church in Despatch is not being erected in accordance with the neighbouring residents' wishes and needs to be halted for a proper procedure and environmental and health impact studies to be done. - Rochelle de Kock