Security at some of Buffalo City Metro’s key buildings has been called in to question after it emerged there was a shortage of close to 300 security guards employed by the city.
BCM released a security analysis of the institution earlier this month which revealed that the metro had failed to appoint about 270 security guards for more than three years now.
The metro needs a total of 586 security guards to work across day and night shifts, but there are only 316.
This raised concerns about the vulnerability of the finance department and East London City Hall, both of which have been previously targeted by protesters.
The report, which was tabled before council, revealed that the health, public safety and emergency services directorate was affected most severely by the shortage with only 11 guards allocated to the directorate despite a need for 42.
Other affected departments include:
- Community services with 132 instead of 291;
- Finance with 65 instead of 75;
- Engineering with 73; and
- Planning and economic development with 35 instead of 76.
Lack of funds was blamed for the failure to fill the vacant posts.
The appointment of required supervisory and administrative support staff was also highlighted as an essential.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, DA councillor Jan Smit said: “We desperately need the security guards in line with the CCTV cameras that we have only been receiving promises for but nothing delivered.
“Currently the municipal buildings are at risk and under threat.
“This has been a long battle I have had with council over this problem.”
Portfolio head for public safety councillor Helen Neale-May said the metro was busy with security assessments that would plot a way forward on how to best tackle the security threats.
“The report from the assessment and study will be tabled before council soon.
“There have been threats previously but we have improved our security. Obviously more can be done though, and we are busy looking into that. It is a continuous process,” said Neale-May, adding that crime and politics were just some of the threats that affected the city.
Not only does the metro need funding for more guards – it needs more vehicles, uniforms, firearms, radios, handcuffs and batons. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
BCM guard shortage raises alarm
BCM released a security analysis of the institution earlier this month which revealed that the metro had failed to appoint about 270 security guards for more than three years now.
The metro needs a total of 586 security guards to work across day and night shifts, but there are only 316.
This raised concerns about the vulnerability of the finance department and East London City Hall, both of which have been previously targeted by protesters.
The report, which was tabled before council, revealed that the health, public safety and emergency services directorate was affected most severely by the shortage with only 11 guards allocated to the directorate despite a need for 42.
Other affected departments include:
Lack of funds was blamed for the failure to fill the vacant posts.
The appointment of required supervisory and administrative support staff was also highlighted as an essential.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, DA councillor Jan Smit said: “We desperately need the security guards in line with the CCTV cameras that we have only been receiving promises for but nothing delivered.
“Currently the municipal buildings are at risk and under threat.
“This has been a long battle I have had with council over this problem.”
Portfolio head for public safety councillor Helen Neale-May said the metro was busy with security assessments that would plot a way forward on how to best tackle the security threats.
“The report from the assessment and study will be tabled before council soon.
“There have been threats previously but we have improved our security. Obviously more can be done though, and we are busy looking into that. It is a continuous process,” said Neale-May, adding that crime and politics were just some of the threats that affected the city.
Not only does the metro need funding for more guards – it needs more vehicles, uniforms, firearms, radios, handcuffs and batons. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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