UPDATE: Council to consider replacing CCTV cameras
This startling revelation was made by a confidential source during a recent discussion over the future of the system after many years of problems.
Hopes are for issues to be resolved in the new financial year.
According to the source, despite at one stage having about 30 cameras operational, a lightning strike once again caused massive damage to the internal servers.
This in turn resulted in delays with the insurance provider.
“The one way to get the system up again is to replace it entirely.”
The source also mentioned how discussions within the municipality had centred on whether to convert the camera system to fibre optic cable.
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However this would bear higher costs than the existing network.
Due to the frequent maintenance the system has to undergo, and other lesser issues such as installation of lightning conductors and antennae, this might pay off in the long run.
“I’ve heard there are plans to get the cost of the new system into the new Budget. If that doesn’t happen, the department can only patch problems as they happen.”
Municipality response
The municipality was approached for clarity on the CCTV camera system and what plans were in place heading towards a new Budget in the mid-year.
No response was received at the time of posting.
Despite maintaining silent on the matter, some residents have lambasted the municipality on allowing finance to affect the safety of the town.
Privatisation of camera system
Among those is Sector 4 CPF member Johan Pieters.
“The CCTV camera system is one of the most important ways in which crime can be combated.”
In his capacity as a CPF representative, Pieters believes one sure-fire solution to solving problems with the camera system is to privatise it.
He feels privatisation would ensure the system ran correctly.
“I am sure there is at least one business which would pay for this.”
Pieters believed control of the CCTV camera system should not go out on tender, as privatisation would not be about profit but about safeguarding the residents of Newcastle.
However it would still need to go through local council.
“I understand there is a lot of bureaucracy involved but this way will ensure the system works as it needs to. The camera system doesn’t only help with crime; it can help with collisions too.”
The lack of a fully functional CCTV system may be a reason why crime is on the increase in the CBD
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