ISLAMABAD, Aug 17: Capital Development Authority (CDA) and a Chinese firm on Tuesday signed an agreement for the installation of 80 close circuit cameras at a cost of Rs311 million. The agreement was signed in a ceremony in which Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat was also present.
These cameras would be installed at sensitive places during a four-month period. The network of cameras would not only enhance security apparatus in the capital but also provide better traffic management system.
The Chinese firm would be responsible for the maintenance of these cameras for one year and meanwhile train CDA staff and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration in this connection.
After one year, the system would be handed over to the ICT administration. Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister hoped that with the installation of these cameras, a comprehensive security system would be available in the capital.
He said the government had directed the provincial governments to install security cameras at least in all provincial capitals. "Islamabad is the first city where this system is being introduced," he said.
He said the need for security cameras was seriously felt on the occasion of Saarc conference this year and on this occasion, the government had decided to install the system in the capital.
The minister said the system would be upgraded by incorporating new and advanced computer software in it with the passage of time. "Terrorists use advance technology for bomb blasts and other attacks, therefore, the law-enforcement agencies have to be equipped with the latest technology to foil terrorist activities," he said.
He said in first phase some 80 security cameras were being installed and more cameras would be installed in the next phase. CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari said the government had allocated Rs95 million for the project.
He said four firms had participated in the bidding but the Chinese firm had filed the lower bid of Rs311 million. The CDA member engineering, Brig Ghulam Akbar Bokhari, said the two places had been selected for the establishment of central control of the system.
He said these cameras would be installed at all exit, entrance and sensitive points to check the movement of suspected vehicles and persons. "The cameras would provide live coverage of different sites to the monitors in the central control room, he added.
He said all police vehicles in the city would blink on a computerised map of Islamabad to be placed in the central control room and in case of any emergency, massage would be conveyed to the police squad, which would be nearest to the venue of the incident.
A source said these cameras would also be installed in weekly bazaars, prominent buildings and main places like Blue-Area, Super Market, Jinnah Super, Aabpara Markets, Zero Point, Faizabad etc. The system will be helpful in investigating the causes of accidents, and other cases. The project will also help improve the flow of traffic in the capital.
