Central camera plan shifts focus
Now, just five cameras will be installed, and only in July. The installation will be done in phases. In addition the municipal safety and security division has reduced the budget, as now they intend installing only 28 cameras instead of the initial 40 proposed by the MBDA.
After a bitter wrangle between the Nelson Mandela Bay Development Agency and the municipal safety and security division, the latter was given the task.
And the budget of about R18-million, which had already been allocated to the MBDA to install the cameras, was transferred to the safety and security division on the proviso that they would install the cameras by the end of May.
The MBDA argued that, according to its brief, it should provide both cleansing and security in its mandated area. The safety and security division countered, saying the provision of public security is a competency of the police, and not a private company.
The division also said the MBDA was a developmental organ and should be restricted to attracting investment to Nelson Mandela Bay and concentrate on urban renewal.
The MBDA refused to cancel its contract with Omega Risk Solutions, the company initially approached to provide security.
After several meetings it was decided that Omega would only provide a guarding service.
Municipal spokesman Lourens Schoeman yesterday said the trenching for the optics and other cabling had already been done.
He said the cameras would be installed in Western Road, Parliament Street, Chapel Street, Govan Mbeki Avenue, on the Donkin Reserve and in Military Road.
"The construction of the central control room from where the cameras will be operated is at an advanced stage," said Schoeman.
Concerns have already been expressed over the delays in installing the cameras.
Inet-Bridge
Loading ...