CCTV bid to stop bridge deaths
2004-06-18 22:26
Port Elizabeth - A project to erect cameras at the so-called Bridge of Death over the Van Staden's River is close to becoming a reality.
Franz Kemp, former deputy editor of Huisgenoot magazine, recommended the project in memory of his daughter, Inge, who committed suicide off the bridge in May last year.
At least 58 people have used the bridge to commit suicide in its 32 years of existence.
The Eastern Cape Burger and Media24 donated R15 000 for the erection of steel pipes that will house electrical and phone cables for the cameras.
Kemp said: "When I took on this project a year ago, I thought I would be able to get it done quickly, on my own. But I wasn't aware of how complicated it would be."
He expected the cameras to be up by Christmas last year, but meetings with the authorities slowed the project down and increased costs considerably.
Police can monitor calls
The project is expected now expected to cost about R400 000.
Six cameras will be erected - two at each end of the bridge and one at each of the two emergency telephones.
This will enable police to monitor all emergency calls on the closed-circuit cameras and to determine whether the calls are serious or not.
Kemp said: "I want to give meaning to Inge's life and see that she did not die for nothing.
"She was someone who gave out an enormous amount of love and always put her fellow person first. Now, after her death, she'll still be doing this.
"If we can just save one life with the cameras it would help relieve the heartache and pain."
According to Kemp, a special police forum was formed eight years ago to see if there was a solution to the rising number of suicides from the bridge.
Cameras thought to be best option
Fencing, razor wire, trellises and nets were investigated, but the Eastern Cape department of public works discovered there was no money for this at the time.
Along with detective inspector François Nell of Thornhill police station, Kemp decided that cameras would be the best option.
Various other sponsors have also contributed to the project, and the Nelson Mandela metro municipality has offered to provide free electricity.
The Van Staden Bridge was opened on November 11 1971 and 12 days later it recorded its first suicide when a 50-year-old man from Uitenhage jumped.
- Daily Sun