Neighbours gathered for food, conversation and an important discussion about safety when the RiverWel Residents Association (RWRA) hosted its Bring and Braai at the Amarant/ Dolfhout Street Park on Saturday, July 18.

The event saw residents coming to the park with boerie rolls, salads, and other braai staples for the day. It also allowed them to meet the association’s committee, to know one another and share ideas on how to make the neighbourhood safer.

According to the RWRA chairperson Newton Kemp, the main topic of the day was a proposal to install CCTV cameras in the area’s greenbelts to help reduce crime.

“We invited both members and non-members because we want to talk about improving security in RiverWel. We are looking at putting CCTV cameras in the green belts, and we want residents to be part of the discussion,” said Kemp.

He said the association had looked at installing licence plate recognition cameras at traffic lights, but the cost was too high because the neighbourhood has many entrances.

“Those cameras are simply too expensive for us. Instead, we’re looking at installing cameras in the parks and greenbelts where they can help monitor areas that are often used as entry points for criminals,” he said.

Kemp explained that the cameras would be monitored by Beagle Watch Armed Response during the night, from the time the park gates are locked until they are opened again the next morning.

He added that the security company had offered the association an interest-free six-month payment plan, making the project more affordable.

The association is also asking residents to help identify where cameras are needed most.

“We want residents to tell us which green belts they believe are the biggest crime hotspots. We’re also looking for homeowners who would allow us to install camera poles on their properties. The cameras will be solar powered so they can continue working during power outages,” Kemp shared.

He said the camera project would work alongside the efforts of the association’s Green Team, which regularly cuts grass and clears overgrown vegetation in the green belts.

“The Green Team already helps make these areas safer by keeping them clean and cutting the grass. Criminals are less likely to hide there. The cameras will add another layer of security, but the green belts still need to be maintained so the cameras have a clear view,” he said.

Residents spent the afternoon sharing ideas and asking questions about the proposed project, with many welcoming the opportunity to have a say in improving security in the neighbourhood.