Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network.
The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town.
Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of CapeNature staff, municipal law enforcement and fire and rescue services. The upgraded network will be particularly valuable during wildfire and other emergency incidents, enabling response teams to communicate and coordinate more effectively in mountainous areas where radio coverage can be limited.
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality recognise the environmental and visual sensitivity of Hangklip Mountain and have taken steps to keep the installation’s impact to an absolute minimum.
The repeater will be installed on CapeNature-managed land near Hangklip Peak and positioned just below the skyline to limit its visibility. The compact structure will measure approximately 1 200 mm by 700 mm by 500 mm and will be painted green to blend into the surrounding landscape.
Due to the small scale of the infrastructure, the installation does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment or Basic Assessment.
The repeater will be solar-powered and fireproofed. It will be positioned on exposed rock and securely bolted in place, ensuring that no vegetation needs to be cleared or disturbed.
All equipment will be transported to the site by helicopter, avoiding the need to create access routes through sensitive vegetation. The helicopter will not land at the installation site.
The improved communication network will support more effective emergency responses and help protect personnel, residents, visitors and the surrounding natural environment.
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality thank the Pringle Bay and broader Hangklip communities for their understanding and support during the installation of this important public-safety infrastructure.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
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