With the pursuit of keeping a tab over the increased use of drugs and needles, it has been proposed that CCTV cameras should be placed at Albion laneway. The laneway has become a subject of agony among parents who are furious over the government’s incapability of dealing with the increased cases of drug abuse.

Two months back, 172 parents issued petition asking the authorities to close down the laneway. However, the petition was annulled by the authorities as the laneway was used for commuting by many people. A closure of laneway would have led to frustration among commuters which might have been required to walk for extra 350 metres.

It was recently proposed by the General Manager for infrastructure and environment, Paul Younis, that CCTV cameras should be installed, capturing the image of the violators and drug abusers. Paul Younis is of the view that the introduction of CCTV would lead to better surveillance and would trigger effective police investigation.

However, the concerned parents are not satisfied with the idea of introducing CCTV cameras. They are of the view that CCTV cameras would prevent drug abuse for just one month. A concerned mother was reported of saying, “Our feeling is, it’s great that they want to help the youth who are using drugs. It will deter people for a month, but then what will happen after that?”.

The CCTV cameras have also been installed at Buckingham Reserve, which led to decreased incidents of drug abuse. The authorities are hopeful that the installation of CCTV cameras at Albion laneway would led to lower incidents of drug abuse.

Albion laneway for long has been a subject of criticism because of increased incidents of drug abuse and anti-social activities. It is hoped that soon the authorities concerned will be able to find a solution to it.