Durban in ‘safe city’ initiatives
Mystery masts are for CCTV cameras
IS IT to combat crime via CCTV monitoring or is it a cellphone mast? That was the question for many Glenwood residents who took to social media this week to highlight concern over the construction of three tall masts in the suburb.
And it soon spread to Durban North, where similar poles are being placed.
Yesterday, eThekwini Municipality confirmed that the poles form part of a city-wide CCTV project which will include licence plate recognition cameras.
“This project is in line with the Municipal Integrated Development Programme which includes creating a safe city, as well as the new smart city objective,” said Tozi Mthethwa, head of communications.
She added that through public and private partnerships, new concrete poles were being introduced to “improve smart city visibility because the municipality is moving towards wireless cameras that will increase visibility and serve as a back-up if fibre cable is stolen or damaged.
“The objective is to reduce crime in various parts of the city, as well as to have coverage of parts of the city where high levels of crime have been reported,” said Mthethwa.
One such pole at the intersection of ZK Matthews (Nicholson) and Albert Dlomo (Willowvale) roads has already been built, while another will be put up in Lena Ahrens (Manning) and Deodar roads. A third spot has been identified at the corner of Rick Turner (Francois) and ZK Matthews roads.
Residents were issued with notices from MTN/Huawei which advised construction would be taking place, including trenching, pipe laying, manholes and installation of optic fibre.
The Bulwer Community Safety Forum took up the matter, after many residents wanted clarification as to whether cellphone masts were being erected without public participation.
Yesterday, chairwoman, Heather Rorik said she struggled for clarification from the municipality, but welcomed any strategy to combat crime.
“Anything to help fight crime and improve visibility is welcomed. But why has the community had to jump up and down to get answers.
“We need transparency from the municipality and ask they keep community-based organisations informed as to what is happening in their areas. We will be watching closely to see if crime is reduced,” said Rorik.
Glenwood resident and IT business owner, Lee Ludik, said any project to fight crime would be good news, but said questions included whether the proposed cameras have zoom properties which could invade residents’ privacy, whether the data would be fed through the MTN network, and their estimated efficiency with regard to the height of the poles.
Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley had also taken the matter up with the municipality for similar reasons.
“We are always in need of additional safety and security measures, so we welcome this news regarding CCTV cameras. But if there is another purpose, such as a cellphone tower at a later stage, then the public must be consulted.”
Glenwood councillor Mmabatho Tembe said “anything to help fight crime and improve visibility is welcomed”.
MTN referred all queries for comment to eThekwini Municipality.
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