Camera security poles not exclusive to Benoni

The City Times contacted Vumacam regarding the installation of security camera poles erected in Benoni.

Vumacam is a technology provider specialising in video management as a service.

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The following information was provided by the company:

“A total of 32 poles with housing domes on them have been installed in Benoni and 132 in Ekurhuleni to date.

“The objective of CCTV is to add an additional layer of security to help create a pro-active security offering.

“No cameras have been installed yet as the project is still in the initial phases.”

The company stated that camera installations will wholly depend on residents’ associations and communities backing the project with buy-in from security companies and/or third party monitoring companies.

This, they said, was an ongoing process.

“The cameras have most often been commissioned on request by a security company and placed in locations determined, in conjunction with the security company, to provide optimal camera coverage.

“The specific security company pays Vumacam for access to the feed, eliminating the need to build out their own camera network infrastructure.

“Vumacam does not charge any residents and does not enter into any contracts with residents.”

The cameras are also being rolled out to the City of Johannesburg metro with plans to extend the network.

“Vumacam plans to rollout around 1 500 cameras throughout Ekurhuleni overall and is not exclusive to Benoni.

“We have installed 32 poles in Northmead, which is the only Benoni suburb we currently have infrastructure installed in.

“The Ekurhuleni project kicked off late last year and covers all areas where power and fibre is available.

“The deployment plan is dependent on the approval of wayleaves by the Ekurhuleni metro.

“The first areas where infrastructure has been deployed, such as Northmead, are where wayleaves have been received from the metro, but we expect all remaining wayleaves shortly.”

They further stated that the intended use of the cameras is meant for public use only and that the cameras do not monitor private spaces.

“The project will run over the next few months with cameras coming live once security companies sign up and only after both power and fibre have been connected.”

The company also confirmed that both licence plate recognition (LPR) and overview cameras will be installed.

“All security companies currently with Vumacam have access to the LPR system.

“Cameras will be monitored by armed response companies, with all feeds being made available to the EMPD and SAPS.

“Security companies will have to apply to have access to the feed and undergo a vetting process.”

Regarding electricity consumption, Vumacam said they were working with the Ekurhuleni metro and would like to connect to grid power.

“In situations where this is not possible, Vumacam may enter into an agreement with premises owners or look at solar as an alternative power source.”