WITH the 2010 World Cup Soccer events drawing near, public safety is uppermost in the minds of the eThekwini municipality and fire department honchos.
This comes after the introduction of a portable emergency control room by the fire department.
The demountable pod can be set up at major events venues for support and quick response in emergencies. The unit is the brainchild of Serco industries in the Phoenix Industrial Park north of Durban.
The Serco technical team came up with this innovative idea to deal with emergency demands during the World Cup.
The pod can be adapted for a variety of purposes, including being used as an emergency operations headquarters.
The unit houses fire-fighting equipment and LCD monitors can be installed. The kitchen and control room have high-quality finishes.
The unit has a removable awning for both of its sides to provide extra room for the recreation of fire fighters.
The unit does away with the need for a full fire truck during extended events.
"The unit will provide refreshments for emergency workers and acts as an emergency HQ for storing specialist equipment," said eThekwini fire department CEO Mark Te Water.
Lance Ravidutt, supply services manager for the department said they were very happy with the product.
"We are highly impressed with the quality and structure."