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New-look HPP to patrol the streets from next week
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Writer De Waal Steyn
H
ermanus residents will from 1 November see a brand-new Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) in areas such as Hermanus Old Town, the Cliff Path and Voëlklip, offering not only foot and vehicle patrols but also clean-up services.
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“The new HPP is the result of the signing of the final financial agreement on 30 September between the newly established HPP Non-Profit Company and the Overstrand Municipality. This also concludes the establishment of the Hermanus Special Rating Area (HSRA),” says HPP Chair, Errol van Staden. In short, the financial agreement establishes and regulates the agreement between HPP and the municipality, as well as the flow of money from property owners via the municipality to the HSRA Management Company.
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28 October 2020
According to Van Staden, the new-look HPP ushers in a new era for Hermanus public safety. R
“HPP has entered into a three-year rent-free lease agreement with the municipality for a control centre at the premises of the Fire Brigade in Mussel Street. From 1 November foot patrols along the Cliff Path, the CBD and Hoy’s Koppie will resume. Patrollers will wear khaki uniforms with red bibs and peaks. The new HPP logo will feature prominently on all attire. Patrollers will receive training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to also act as tourism ambassadors.” He said three HPP-branded armed response vehicles will patrol the HSRA area from 17th Avenue in Voëlklip through to Swartdam Road 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The vehicles will be linked to the control centre, neighbourhood watch groups and law enforcement agencies. Bicycle patrols will no longer take place. “Iphupha Clearing and Cleaning Services, which is 100% black-owned, will provide litter collection and removal services along the entire Cliff Path, adjacent parking areas that are not serviced by the municipality and Hoy’s Koppie,” added Van Staden. Going forward, HPP will have a strong focus on technology. The current CCTV network will be expanded to provide better coverage of the special rating area and the organisation is already busy with the installation of advanced software that has artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This will improve our control centre’s effectiveness and allow for the early detection of possible criminal events, and the tracking of suspicious-looking vehicles and people. The
technology will also allow for licence plate and vehicle recognition capability. Marius Boshoff, Hermanus branch manager for Fidelity ADT, said the group is delighted to be the public safety and prevention service provider to HPP. “It is no understatement to say that this has been a tumultuous year for everyone in South Africa and there were certainly few reasons for celebration. However, the conclusion of this new HPP contract is a positive way in which we can bring 2020 to an end. We look forward to continuing our long and successful partnership with the people of Hermanus and the amazing team that help keep it safe,” said Boshoff. The current HPP Board consists of Errol van Staden (Chairperson), Tobie Louw (Director of Finance and Strategy), Barry van Vuren (Operations Director), Anton Hartman (External Relations and Operations Support Director), Brigitte Sabbe (Urban Management Director), Ann Wright (Cleansing Director) and Clinton Lerm (Communications Director). “The current Board holds the view that there is a need for continuity (from the old dispensation to the new dispensation) and diversity to manage the transition and to implement the business plan. In the context of succession planning, there is a need to encourage the younger generation to become involved in the affairs and functioning of HPP,” Van Staden said. Marcia Bown, who coordinated the establishment of the HSRA, has been appointed as executive officer, while Hennie Niemand will continue in his role as HPP manager. Jason Botes has been appointed by Fidelity ADT as the HPP Operations manager. Van Staden said HPP’s AGM will be held at 18:00 on Thursday, 5 November 2020 at the Municipal Auditorium, Civic Centre, Overstrand Municipality. “As Covid-19 regulations are still in place, the number of attendees will be restricted. Property owners within the HSRA who wish to attend, must register via email at info@hpp.org.za. "Please provide your full name, erf number and mobile number. Attendees will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis, with only one attendee permitted per property. Attendees must be at the venue by 17:00 to allow time for the compulsory health screening. Masks must be worn.” HPP will soon be migrating from a landline to a virtual switchboard. The new emergency number is 087 550 5295. The website details have also changed. The new website can be found at www.hpp.org.za.
