Durban puts spotlight on 2010 safety, security

Julie-May Ellingson, head of Durban's Strategic Projects Unit and 2010 Programme, says, “Durban already has an enviable record for hosting large international events including the Cricket and Rugby World Cups, IPL 20/20 cricket, the FIFA preliminary draw, A1 motorsport and the Comrades Marathon and will be calling on that experience to ensure the same level of safety and security prevails during next year's tournament.”

Safety and security planning is co-ordinated between the South African Police Force, Durban Metro Police, Durban Beach Law Enforcement and independent security companies with deployment as a joint initiative. Ellingson acknowledges that the 2010 FIFA World Cup demands increased safety, security and disaster management planning, adding that co-ordination with the essential emergency services will ensure the teams work as a unified front capable of resolving any potential emergency. The number of highly-trained staff within these specialised task teams will also be increased significantly.

More CCTV coverage

Current planning involves boosting the city's coverage under closed circuit television (CCTV) with more than 200 cameras already strategically placed across the city and within the sporting precinct. The cameras cover main transport corridors, popular public areas including the Moses Mabhida Stadium, fan parks, entertainment venues, hotels, base camps and official training sites helping to ensure that all residents and visitors to the city are safe and secure.

The design of the iconic multi-million-rand Moses Mabhida stadium is in accordance with international safety and security regulations that place special attention on crowd control and swift evacuation procedures.

Ellingson says “a joint operations centre will mobilise and reallocate resources and the overall safety and security planning will be collated by the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (JOINTS). This structure will report directly to a national structure to allow for consistent and unified safety across South Africa.”

Special focus

In addition, all official 2010 training venues, as well as the official FIFA fan park and envisaged Public Viewing areas in Durban during the World Cup will have dedicated representatives from the co-ordinated safety, security and disaster management departments to efficiently and effectively handle potential incidents.

“Special focus will be given to specific pedestrian and mobile people-centric nodes to minimise security risks to residents and visitors,” she says.

In terms of street-side food vendors, the city will deploy food hygienists and technicians to ensure traders are licensed with the eThekwini Municipality and that their products are safe for human consumption.

“Durban is more than ready to host a safe and secure tournament. The city is well on-track with its projects; has a fantastic track record for hosting events and can anticipate the arrival of 2010 visitors with confidence and excitement,” Ellingson concludes.