Cell tower application update

There have been further developments with regards to the proposed erection of the cell towers in the Ndlambe area. As reported previously in June 2017 the NG Church has given the Power of Attorney to BJB Projects to be the Applicant dealing in all matters relating to the approval / permitting of a cellular mast on properties owned by the Church throughout Ndlambe. The comments and objections collected by BRRAG to the original application were sent to the Ndlambe Municipality on 23 June 2017.   It appears as though the original application has lapsed and a new application was submitted to the Ndlambe Municipality on 22nd July 2018.

It is not known if the previous comments and objections were taken into consideration or if the original application was rejected by the Municipality but the height of the tower that is now proposed to be erected on Farm Marselle Alexandria Rural 348/1 has been reduced from the original 25m to 15m as suggested in the earlier discussions with the developer. The position of the proposed tower at the top of Kiewiet Street

is shown on the sketch below:

The notice calling for comments on / objections to the new July 2018 application was published in the Talk of The Town on 31st January 2019. Details are available on the Ndlambe website and the documents can also be inspected at the Town Planning office at the Civic Centre, Causeway, Port Alfred.

The reason given for erecting the tower are to improve the cell phone / internet data reception in the upper part of Bushmans Village. The application also states that it may be necessary to erect further towers in Bushmans at some later date. If you have experienced poor cellphone / internet connections, especially during the December holiday season, then perhaps this tower will improve the situation.

Should you wish to submit any comments on or objections to this new proposal your written comments should be submitted to the Municipal Manager, Causeway, Port Alfred or emailed to townplanning@ndlambe.gov.za on or before 04th March 2019. Please quote that your comments are applicable to Portion 1 of the Farm Number 348, Marselle.