By Nangamso Mabindla
9 December 2004

IN AN effort to curb increasing security problems, Buffalo City Municipality is planning to erect a fence around one of the city's oldest buildings - the East London City Hall.

Buffalo City Communication's Manager, Darby Gounden, said the City Hall had recently become the target of theft and vandalism.

"Because people can walk in and out of the City Hall with ease, they tend to steal and vandalise the building," said Gounden.

Earlier this year a new R55 000 state-of-the-art surveillance system was installed in the City Hall to ensure the safety of visiting government and business VIPs.

"Now we want to make sure that there's maximum safety for everyone who uses the City Hall for events," added Gounden.

The proposed project, which will cost around R200 000, is set to start in the new year, with the fencing of the City Hall's rear parking area, where the Mayor and City Hall staff park.

The proposal is to erect a purpose-made fence, designed by an architect, around the rear parking area of the City Hall, from the Buxton Street entrance to Cambridge Street corner.

According to Gounden, the fence will be two metres high. "This is to ensure that people don't climb over the fence into the Hall."

A new electronic exit control gate is to be erected at the Argyle Street exit. This will allow free access for the Mayor's vehicles when the other parking area is congested.

A further two metal detectors will be installed to control access to the front of the City Hall from Oxford Street.

"All these changes will benefit the Buffalo City public when they're using the City Hall. They'll feel much safer," concluded Gounden.