The authorities in Mandalay are planning to install CCTV cameras and police booths at busy intersections and public areas across the central Burma city at the beginning of next year as part of the regional government’s plan to more effectively fight crime.

Sai Kyaw Zaw, the Mandalay government’s Shan National Race Affairs Minister, told DVB an additional 160 CCTV cameras will be installed at crowded public areas, including jetties along the Irrawaddy River and bus terminals, as well as at tourist attraction spots such as the Mahamuni Buddha Temple.

“At the moment, we only have CCTV cameras installed in the downtown area, but there’s no surveillance in Chanmyatharzi and Pyigyitagon townships or at the Kandawgyi Lake and Strand Rd,” said Sai Kyaw Zaw, adding that the new security measures were part of Mandalay’s e-government plan, which aims to upgrade government services through the use of new technology.

He said the CCTV cameras will be controlled and monitored at police stations.

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Residents of the city also suggested installing CCTV cameras in their neighbourhoods so that police could respond to crime more promptly.

“So far I am only seeing CCTV cameras installed in some areas. It would be better if they expanded coverage in more locations,” said Yin Yin Khant, a Mandalay resident.

A spike on criminal activities such as night-time robbery and drug-related violence in Mandalay has promoted regional lawmakers to call for more effective law-enforcement procedures.