Ballito Neighbourhood Watch app launched
The app would make it easier to coordinate and manage urgent issues in a timely manner.
The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) cell phone application is ready at long last and is available to residents and holidaymakers alike.
With the launch of the app at the start of April, existing WhatsApp groups utilised by the BNW will be moved away from.
This is owing to an overload of information on WhatsApp groups, while the app is designed to share information in specific and relevant categories.
With WhatsApp groups, it was explained, information shared was both of a serious and minor nature, meaning in many cases it was tantamount to spam.
The shift toward an app, the BNW’s chairperson Morné Steffens said, would make it easier to coordinate and manage issues in a timely manner.
As an example of previous struggles, Steffens pointed out that photos, videos, and other types of media shared on WhatsApp groups got lost between all the messages but that their app allowed for these to be filed accordingly, allowing for appropriate use.
Steffens said the app would also ensure an effective response to emergency situations at all hours of the day.
WhatsApp street groups associated with the BNW will eventually come to a close as a result of switching to the app, with the BNW offering full access to the app at an annual fee of R250 per household.
Limited access will be available at no cost.
Steffens said membership fees for the BNW are crucial and enables the organisation to manage existing projects, like local street cameras which are equipped with automatic numberplate recognition.
These cameras have fees associated with them, but have proven effective in the past with the recovery of stolen cars.
Speaking on one of the features of the app, Steffens said: “There is an in case of emergency feature where all security and medical providers have agreed to work with the BNW app and will respond to real-time life-threatening situations,” he said, however, this would not replace your current security arrangements.
A top-line feature however is that communication would be directly between those reporting and responding, cutting out unnecessary conversation between residents.
Download the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch app via your respective app stores on Android and iPhone.
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