CCTV camera plans phase one unveiled
The CCTV Camera Systems are to ensure safety and security to both community members and the business sector
Plans for CCTV cameras (phase one) in Estcourt were unveiled in the council chambers of Umtshezi Municipality on September 12 at 10am. The purpose of the meeting was to get input from the community about suitable places to have these cameras placed.
Members of police, Community Police Forum, the Protection Services and local banks attended the meeting to share their ideas on places they felt cameras are needed most. It was said that two other phases are to follow, those phases are to deal with areas on the outskirts of Estcourt. “The cameras, which are to be installed, are to be expanded in near future. Within the next six weeks, some time in November the cameras are to be up and running,” said Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko in opening.
Ms Njoko was positive that this initiative would indeed be fruitful to the community. She also highlighted that the installation of cameras was an outcry for a period of six years, and added that this was the Ward four Councillor the late Dawood Vahed’s wish. “Mr Vahed was one of the councillors who made a trip to Newcastle to have their CCTV Camera System’s checked out,” recalled Ms Njoko.
The CCTV Camera System service providers Bradfin Holders displayed a visual presentation to the attendants.
“This is a proud moment for us as these cameras will assist in tackling many issues such as curbing political unrest as well as crime,” said Doug Mingay from Bradfin Holders. Ward four Councillor Ugan Chetty said the CCTV Camera System was a long outstanding issue which now has come to reality.
The CCTV Camera Systems are to ensure safety and security to both community members and the business sector. Brigadier Johan Reynders from SAPS took the time to thank the municipality for putting the community’s safety first; he also congratulated them on the positive step taken because many were left saddened when the previous camera systems failed. “These cameras will be of no use if they are not managed effectively. Lie detector tests should be done, screening processes to test for people with integrity and necessary training should be done monthly. It should also be checked whether the correct procedures are being complied with,” added Brigadier Reynders.
It was also suggested that people with disabilities be considered when recruiting personal to monitor these systems 24-hours, 365 days a year. “They are more committed than the able,” elaborated Brigadier Reynders. In closing the municipality’s Corporate Services Director Hans Chotoo said the suggestions made will be taken to sub-committee level for final decisions to be made.
