The City of Cape Town has recently released its draft budget for the 2024/25 financial year, featuring a proposed capital allocation exceeding R360 million for safety and security initiatives.
This budget, currently open for public comment until 30 April, outlines a comprehensive strategy to boost public safety across the municipality.
The Safety and Security Directorate, responsible for various critical departments including Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Traffic Service, Fire & Rescue, Disaster Risk Management Centre, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) and Events coordination, will benefit from this substantial investment.
Key elements of the draft capital budget for 2024/25 include acquiring additional equipment such as vehicles, computers, two-way radios and firearms. The budget also encompasses expanding the city’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footprint, upgrading key infrastructure like fire stations and enhancing the Emergency Policing Incident Control system (EPIC) to optimise operational efficiency.
‘Our goal is to build on our successful track record by upgrading facilities, acquiring advanced resources and technology, and expanding our immovable assets portfolio,’ says Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
Projects in the pipeline include the construction of the Langa Fire Station and the expansion of the training college in Muizenberg.
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Currently operating 32 fire stations, the City plans to commence scoping and planning for the construction of fire station number 33 in the coming financial year, with an estimated overall spend of just over R50 million by 2026/27.
Additionally, property improvements aimed at increasing the Directorate’s Training College capacity will happen over three financial years, culminating in a flagship campus in Muizenberg.
EPIC, a crucial technology platform facilitating integrated Safety and Security operations, will receive significant investment in the draft budget. Proposed upgrades include additional handheld EPIC devices, portable Bluetooth printers and advancements in incident reporting and collaboration tools.
‘The adoption of cutting-edge technology is essential in our efforts to enhance operational effectiveness,’ emphasised Alderman Smith.
Recent successes, such as the arrest of a prolific traffic offender using automated number plate recognition software, prove the impact of technology in advancing safety measures.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the public comment process, offering insights to shape the City’s Safety and Security agenda for the upcoming financial year.
For more information on the draft budget and how to contribute comments, visit the City of Cape Town’s offici
al website. The deadline for public feedback is 30 April.
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Picture: City of Cape Town