Emergency response: Lagos to install 13,000 CCTVs

In order to boost its operations in emergency situations, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is to install 13,000 Closed Circuit Television cameras at major flashpoints across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adebayo Kehinde, LASEMA’s head of Public Affairs Unit, adding that the move is part of efforts by the state government to improve the impact of emergency and disaster management in the state through effective and efficient response system.

The government, the statement added, also plans to step up a Monitoring and Surveillance Unit and establish additional dispatch centres across the state.

Adesina Tiamiyu, General Manager of LASEMA, said the 13,000 CCTV cameras would complement the emergency call numbers as analysts could adequately monitor activities from the Command and Control Centres across the State.

“These combined efforts can only make Lagos safer,” Tiamiyu said.

Tiamiyu stated further that Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the establishment of three dispatch centres at Lekki, Ikorodu Road, and Badagry, stressing that it would complement the existing dispatch points located at the LASEMA Response Unit, Cappa, Oshodi, and the Command and Control Centre, Alausa.

He said the agency is strengthening the activities of its Monitoring and Surveillance Unit in preventing unnecessary loss of lives and properties in the State.

“The operation will include monitoring and surveillance activities in domestic, industrial and public facilities in the State which is a paradigm shift from the orthodox strategy of waiting for an emergency to occur and then respond,” he added.

He harped on the need for the public to partner with the government in mitigating, preventing and consequently reducing hazards, risks, and vulnerability in the state.

He urged that for prompt intervention, distress calls on emerging hazards and risks be relayed to the agency through the toll-free line 112/767.