The Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce issued an urgent call on the local business fraternity this week to assist in combating crime in the central business district of Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

During its latest board meeting, the Chamber took note of the availability of a monitoring facility for surveillance cameras in town, which one of its members is willing to operate. Initially, 10 strategically placed surveillance cameras are envisaged in the CBD, to assist in curbing criminal activity.

The Chamber called on the local business fraternity to join this crime-combating project and to assist in sponsoring the necessary surveillance cameras which will cost an estimated R40 000.

The Chamber expressed its appreciation for the excellent progress of the recently established Soutpansberg Town Watch. Since the inception of its regular patrol activities in all sectors of the town, in co-operation with the local police and the local Farm Watch, there has been a dramatic decrease in crime in town.

It was reported in the meeting that the local municipality is reacting positively on safety and security needs brought to their attention by the community. The problem caused by driving schools utilizing public parks and open spaces as assembly points and waiting centres for their clients is now being addressed. The municipality also reacted with a wide-ranging clean-up operation in parks and overgrown open spaces, to eradicate possible shelter and hiding place for criminals. The unhealthy situation at the central taxi- and bus terminus is also on the agenda.

The municipality has been informed of the dire need for sufficient safe, clean, public ablution facilities in the CBD as well as street lighting in several other areas.