Farmers, community join hands

GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - A project to collect funds to install security cameras in the rural area of Great Brak River and Friemersheim has been completed.

A total amount of R175 842 was donated by farmers and residents of the community and seven cameras, including number plate recognition cameras, were installed on five main incoming roads.

Resident Carri Terblanche says no vehicle will be able to enter or exit the area without passing a camera. "These cameras are excellent quality and authorities will be alerted as soon as vehicles who have been involved in crime across South Africa, enter our community.

"The funds collected were also enough to cover the monthly costs of the network, monitoring expenses and servicing of the cameras for six months."

Terblanche, who lives on a farm, says they were overwhelmed with joy to have witnessed the community working and standing together. "It was not only finances needed, but machinery, labour and administrative skills, all of which were offered free of charge."

She says that after months of meetings and research, Eden District Security, is based in the area, offered a complete solution which worked well for the area and its needs

"Alongside these cameras we have a surveillance and monitoring system with strict protocols in place to observe all requirements.

"We have a detailed constitution to outline the way we will approach using the CCTV surveillance in line with the law.

"To respect and protect privacy is one of our biggest priorities and therefore data gathered by the CCTV surveillance network will not be used for any purposes other than those listed or permitted by the relevant Act.

"Data will not, under any circumstances, be released to the media or any similar outlet, unless specifically required or authorised by law." Terblanche, on behalf of everyone involved, thanks every person who contributed and those who serve the community.

"We have become a much closer community due to this project. Many residents didn't know one another and they now connect and communicate regularly."

Residents and farmers from Great Brak River and Friemersheim who contributed to the project.