Nelspruit branch: This is how the AfriForum branch tackles water shortages and crime
Two burning issues for residents of Mbombela were tackled during October, thanks to AfriForum’s Nelspruit branch.
New emergency water point erected
Water shortages in this Lowveld city cause taps to run dry from time to time – a problem which, according to the Mbombela Municipality, is largely due to illegal water connections. AfriForum’s Nelspruit branch therefore set up an emergency water point at the Nelspruit Nederduitse Hervormde Kerk (NHK) in Belladonna Street in October.
“The emergency water point is available for any individuals or families who urgently need water. Access to water is a basic human right that cannot be taken away from any resident of our community and that is why this emergency water point was such an essential project for the Nelspruit branch,” explains Arlo van Heerden, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Lowveld. “However, we encourage the community to take the seriousness of the current water crisis to heart and use this valuable resource responsibly.”
Van Heerden praised the Nelspruit NHK for their involvement in the project. “This emergency water point is proof of what can be achieved when we stand together as a community and work together,” he adds.
Number plate technology harnessed to fight crime
In yet another community-focused project, the Nelspruit branch installed a technologically advanced number plate recognition camera (known as an LPR camera) on Dr Enos Mabuza Drive on 26 October. This camera captures and digitalises vehicle number plates and is an indispensable tool in the fight against crime and therefore the protection of the community.
This initiative forms part of the AfriForum Nelspruit neighbourhood watch’s dedicated focus on improving safety in this community and will also give residents more peace of mind about their safety.
According to Van Heerden, the camera is equipped with advanced technology that recognises number plates in the blink of an eye and compares it to a database of suspicious vehicles. It provides exceptional information that will help the South African Police Service (SAPS) to identify and track vehicles involved in crime.
“AfriForum’s Nelspruit neighbourhood watch believes in mobilising communities to ensure the safety of our streets and residents. Our goal is to create an environment in which there is no haven for crime,” explains Devon McCullough, chairperson of AfriForum’s Nelspruit neighbourhood watch. “We also encourage the community to report any suspicious activity on Dr Enos Mabuza Drive to the local police immediately.”
The Nelspruit branch and neighbourhood watch invites the community to contact this branch and neighbourhood watch.
