Yesterday saw the launch of a state-of-the-art security intervention facility aimed at reducing crime and increasing the peace and safety of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay. The launch comes at the end of a 7-month process of investment into the safety and security of the mandate areas of the Mandela Bay Development Agency.
Attendees were officially welcomed by MBDA Board Chairperson, Glenda Perumal, who stressed the importance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling issues affecting Nelson Mandela Bay. MBDA CEO Anele Qaba provided an overview of the multi-pronged project, while NMBM Deputy Mayor Cllr. Gary van Niekerk gave the keynote address. Also on the programme were Doniven Lesch, Director of Protection Services at Nelson Mandela University, Kevin Slattery, representing property owners in the city, and Cllr Luyanda Lawu, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security.
The Smart Security Intervention Facility, the control room of which is positioned centrally at the Tramways building in Central, monitors activity at a large number of key points around the city. The hybrid security system includes boots on the ground, response vehicles, and multiple CCTV cameras and monitoring. The control room is the main cog of the system, providing 24-hour control of monitoring systems that will enable the strategic deployment of assistance. Multiple vehicles on the ground enable the quick dispatch of assistance across Gqeberha.
During his overview of the project, MBDA CEO Anele Qaba used the Tramways building as an example of what could be done to improve historic and unique buildings within the city. “The building we are in today is a prime example of how old, dilapidated and empty buildings can be rebuilt and repurposed,” he said. Broken down buildings attract crime, he said – revitalising the inner city and preserving the buildings that stand is a key part of the revitalisation that crime reduction could bring.
NMU’s Donevin Lesch recalled the years he lived in Central, happily walking to work. He said that he would think twice about doing that today. With over 14 000 (fourteen thousand) students calling the inner-city home during their studies, Lesch said that it was of the utmost priority that young people in the city could enjoy safety and freedom.
NMBM Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gary van Niekerk, emphasised the importance of involving every possible role-player in the fight against crime. “[W]e want to make the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality a safe haven for residents and visitors alike … Together we can make Nelson Mandela Bay a no-go zone for criminals and displace them from our city.” Van Niekerk added that the South African Police Services indicated that they would like to assist with the erection of cameras on our major routes. “Our strategy as a municipality must therefore be to identify all the blind spots … [I]t is critical for us that not just the inner city, but every corner of Nelson Mandela Bay is covered by surveillance systems.”
The work of the Mandela Bay Development Agency and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will not make the kind of impact that is expected, in the current climate of climbing crime rates.
The programme is not only a response to a need identified within the mandated areas, but a key crime deterrent itself. Through this programme, the MBDA and NMBM will reclaim the safety of the CBDs, working closely with and in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
NMB Communications
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