Inclusiveness between security institutions, private security firms and the general public build a strong bond in the face of emerging threats to development. The Mayor of the City of Kigali (CoK), Pascal Nyamurinda, made the remarks Thursday while meeting managers of security companies, owners of commercial facilities, and heads of security in hotels, financial institutions and big public buildings in Kigali. The meeting, held at the City Hall, was also attended by the Commissioner for Counter-terrorism in Rwanda National Police (RNP), Assistant Commissioner of Police Denis Basabose, and ACP Rogers Rutikanga, the Central Region Police Commander. It aimed at streamlining and implementing security related strategies and plans in order to secure public places. It also discussed challenges and best practices between the public and private security providers in order to curtail all security threats, including international terrorism. Nyamurinda said public safety is a “chain that must not be broken but strengthened by all stakeholders.” He asked them to always take precautionary measures such as inspection, supervise security guards, and acquire appropriate security tools. ACP Basabose also urged them to have an integrated security system on all public buildings, which is an all-round model that will counter or minimise any security threats. He challenged security managers from private security companies to continuously be innovative to be ahead of potential rogue elements who may have motives of causing insecurity. He asked security managers to regularly make physical security assessments of their premises and, where possible, seek support from experts, including the police. “All public buildings need to obtain a security certification before they are occupied,” he said. He also castigated the habit of employing and deploying unprofessional guards calling it a risk that should not be tolerated. ACP Rutikanga, on his part, called for more vigilance and vigilance from security guards, which he observed is still wanting. “Some guards don’t observe the basic security procedures at check-points,” the RPC said. He noted that “terrorism is real” urging them to be serious in their security duties. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
