Education
With regard to the construction of a cellphone tower at Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School:
(1) What are the reasons for halting the project;
(2) whether a health and safety assessment was done for the project; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) (a) what are the details of the community engagements that have been held regarding this project and (b) what are the (i) dates and (ii) minutes of such meetings?
[1] The school had not obtained the Provincial Minister’s approval to enter into a lease. The Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2011 [Act 15 of 2011], as published in the Government Gazette No. 34620 of 19 September 2011, amended, among others, section 36 of SASA by the insertion of the following subsections:
“[4] [a] A governing body may, with the approval of the Member of the Executive Council [MEC] —
[i] lease, burden, convert or alter immovable property of the school to provide for school activities or to supplement the school fund of that school”
We therefore requested that the school stop the works, until the necessary approval from the Provincial Minister is obtained.
[2] Yes, please see attached EMF report.
[3] [a], [b] and [c]
The role of the Minister of Education is to approve the construction of physical infrastructure on school property. Other processes [including public participation] are dealt with by the municipality according to national regulations on the safety of cell phone masts. Questions on the City’s process should be directed to the City
