Times Of Swaziland: HALT CELLPHONE MASTS  INSTALLATION – SNAT

HALT CELLPHONE MASTS  INSTALLATION – SNAT
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BY ZWELIHLE SUKATI on 25/01/2014 08:19:00


MBABANE – In the wake of the proposed installation of cellphone masts by MTN
Swaziland, SNAT will embark on a consultation process as the towers will be set
up next to schools in some areas.
This follows the ongoing debate over the proposed installation of the masts
which are said to emit radioactive frequency. MTN has explained that this
exercise is meant to improve network coverage and better quality services for
its customers.
Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Muzi
Mhlanga, in an interview with the Swazi News, said MTN should consider putting
the project on hold pending further consultations on the concerns that have been
raised.
Mhlanga said as SNAT they may consider writing a letter to Education
International to find its position on the matter.
Last week, Swazi MTN held consultative meetings with residents of Mbabane and
Ezulwini, which are some of the towns where the masts are intended to be
installed next to residential areas.
In Mbabane there will be a mast within St Mark’s School yard and another
within a residential plot in Dalriach East. There is also a pre-school nearby.
In Ezulwini, one of the 22-meter tall antennas will be installed near Happy
Valley and another at Mukela Township.
Residents who attended the meetings strongly objected to the installation of the
masts. One of their arguments was that “people living close to mobile phone
masts (base stations) frequently report symptoms of electromagnetic
hypersensitivity such as dizziness, headaches, skin conditions, allergies and
many others, the mechanisms for which are only just beginning to be
understood”.
Some parents argued that preliminary research results have shown that the
network masts have negative impacts even to wildlife.
They further argued that they cannot risk exposing their young children to such
danger and would rather have no cellphone network coverage than have the masts
installed next to their homes.
“What I can say is that we are pleased with development. Technology has made
the teaching, learning process much simpler. Some schools now use tablets and
the world has become a global village because of technology,” said Mhlanga.
He acknowledged that this was not a new debate as cellphones, at some point,
were also said to be dangerous when placed in close contact with one’s upper
body.
“Since we are talking about people’s lives we must not compromise, even
though there may be so many myths making rounds,” he went on to say.
Mhlanga said as teachers they could only take a stand or make comment once they
have satisfactory scientific evidence of the dire health impacts that come with
the network masts emissions.
“Therefore, the projects must stop until we have satisfied ourselves that
indeed they are no health implications that come with this technology.
“As SNAT we will consult with our friends in the international community to
ascertain as to how other countries are handling this issue and whether our
concerns are justifiable or we are just overreacting,” he further said.
“In Swaziland internet service is very slow. This is caused by the fact that
our technology has not developed much.  We should not antagonise people against
development unless there is scientific proof with victims who have suffered as a
result of the negative impacts that this development brings.
“However, for now, we are cautiously saying the masts projects must be stopped
until we have satisfied ourselves,” continued Mhlanga.