Instead of waiting for something to be done over the state and safety of the Fairland Pedestrian Bridge, Beagle Watch Armed Response rolled up their sleeves to do the work themselves.
This comes after Beagle Watch General Manager André Aiton and Laerskool Fairland Principal Willie Goosen noticed that the stainless steel rods protecting the public from falling onto the N1 Highway are being stolen. This is a great safety concern for the public, especially the young children crossing the bridge to go to school every day. Aiton expressed, “The bridge was being vandalised and the balustrades had been stolen, making it very unsafe for pedestrians to cross the busy freeway, let alone young children.”
To address the issue, Beagle Watch recently added additional public space CCTV cameras leading to the bridge and have been operational 24 hours a day since 1 July. Fairland Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas stated that they were made aware of the problem with Beagle Watch back in February and strategised a way forward to increase the safety and security of the bridge. He explained, “The patrols aren’t enough so having Beagle Watch come in and invest in the security of the bridge will make a difference for those using it.” De Freitas added that the stolen steel bars are a point of concern but they will continue to work with Beagle Watch and the local authorities to put an end to it.
Laerskool Fairland Principal Willie Goosen confirmed that to the many parents using the bridge to drop off and fetch their children, this has become a safety hazard. He expressed, “So many young children cross this bridge and we are fearful of hearing that there was an incident where a child fell into the highway.” The CCTV cameras will also monitor what is taking place along Cornelis Street and 7th Avenue as parents drop off their children by car. Goosen said, “There will be more peace of mind for the parents that drop of their children as the cameras will be able to identify any criminal behaviour or suspicious activity in real-time.”
Aiton stated that Beagle Watch will continue to monitor the bridge and do regular maintenance to maximize the level of security, as they did on 8 July. Aiton expressed, “This is our contribution to the community, which we believe will make a difference in making this area safer.” He pledges the security company’s support to improve safety and security for all.
