By Nangamso Mabindla
23 June 2004

THE East London city hall - one of the oldest buildings in the city - has been made safer for visitors and employees, says its administrator, Allan du Plessis.

A new R55 000 state-of-the-art surveillance system was recently installed in the city hall. "We have replaced the old video-surveillance system with this more efficient system. Here I can watch activities in the entire city hall on my monitor."

According to Du Plessis, the new digital video-recorder system has 16 cameras placed around hall, covering all entrances.

"We have installed these cameras in all our entrances. The front entrance from Oxford Street has been fitted with a camera and the back entrance for the public and councillors has been fitted with a system where you use an access control reader," says a visibly proud Du Plessis. "Even the auditorium is fitted with two cameras."

The new security system will ensure the safety of the government and business VIPs who often attend evening functions in the hall.

"Their bodyguards will be able to come and sit in my office and monitor activities."

The new digital system offers a bigger memory than did the previous system, which used a videocassette. "I don't have to sit and rewind a tape to get to the footage. I can now recall the footage using the date and time of the incident or event," says Du Plessis.

A 24-hour alarm has also been installed to protect the city hall's property.

"With the alarm system, you can leave personal belongings inside the hall knowing they'll still be there when you come back," he said.

Five new cameras are also to be installed in the Old Library, at the back of the hall in Cambridge Street.