The updated plan for 2021 – 2026 maps the priority areas for CCTV installations during the period and beyond, but also takes into account a host of other factors, including how the City plans to stay abreast of technological developments.

The plan was endorsed by the Portfolio Committee in 2021, but was re-tabled at this week’s committee meeting, for the benefit of new members who joined the committee earlier this year.

The Rollout Plan covers a number of aspects, including priority areas for CCTV installations, engagement with key stakeholders like the South African Police Service, businesses and NPOs, guidelines for the usage of data in determining CCTV locations, partnerships with private CCTV owners and a standard operating procedure for infrastructure installation.

‘It’s a fact that the City of Cape Town has a well-established CCTV footprint and the intention is to expand on that even more into the future. But I don’t think many of us are aware of the hard work, planning and effort that goes into ensuring that we have a blueprint to work from, and that what we invest today will remain sustainable in future.

‘So to the Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit, which is responsible for putting this together, I express the Portfolio Committee’s sincere appreciation. The fact that the committee members once again endorsed the masterplan bears testament to that. This plan outlines the rationale behind CCTV investments, explains the many relationships and inputs from key external stakeholders, and also looks to learn from international best practice in terms of ensuring the longevity of our infrastructure and technology,’ said Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

With the assistance of crime and incident statistics from various sources, including City agencies, EMS and SAPS, the five priority policing precincts focused in the updated CCTV rollout plan are Delft, Kraaifontein, Nyanga, Mfuleni and Mitchells Plain.

Exact locations will be determined in consultation with area stakeholders and SAPS station commanders, bearing in mind the requirements for installation, which includes:

• Suitable and stable City of Cape Town fibre-optic infrastructure
• Reliable power sources, whether from the City or Eskom
• Line of sight to the nearest, current CCTV infrastructure; allowing video feed to the local CCTV centres.
• Possibility of vandalism within the current location, based on reports from City services.

The Rollout Plan will now be sent on to the Executive Mayor and the Mayoral Committee (MAYCO) for approval and implementation.

Source: City Of Cape Town