The installation of a telecommunications tower that would stand 25 meters high has been met with resistance in Banjar Bedil, Sukawati, Gianyar.
Villagers are apparently firmly rejecting the new tower’s construction, citing safety and health concerns as their beef.
“From the beginning, we have raised objections and have not agreed with the construction of that telecommunications tower. Who is responsible if it falls and hits us,” local resident Made Baga, 52, told Tribun Bali on Tuesday.
Baga’s house is just seven meters away from the project site and says he fears for his safety.
“If you want to build a tower, don’t put it up in a residential area. Find open space and put it up there. Not here, right on top of our heads,” Baga said with rage.
According to Tribun, the tower is being built in a two-step process: first, the telecommunications provider will build ruko (two-story shop houses) as high as 13 meters, then second, a rooftop will be prepared for a 12-meter booster antenna.
Baga says the community has taken action and lodged a complaint with BPPT (licensing agency) Gianyar.
Head of BPPT Gianyar, I Gusti Ngurah Gde Suwastika, issued a temporary suspension warning letter dated March 17, 2016, says Baga, so he’s confused why work on the tower continues.
Residents who have voiced opposition against the project claim they’ve had stones thrown at their houses in the middle of the night by a mysterious person. Scary!
Meanwhile BPPT Gianyar Task Executor Wayan Sudamia says he was shocked after hearing news that the tower project in Banjar Bedil had continued. He says BPPT has not yet issued a building permit (IMB) to the shop (even though says he’s shocked, we’re sure this sort of thing happens all the time in Bali).
Sudamia told Tribun that the project had submitted a request for the ruko, but not for the tower.
Let’s hope for the sake of Banjar Bedil residents some sort of agreement can be worked out!
