ETHEKWINI has placed more than 200 closed-circuit television cameras in strategic places acrossDurban for security ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup next year.

ETHEKWINI has placed more than 200 closed-circuit television cameras in strategic places acrossDurban for security ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup next year.

Julie-May Ellingson, head of Durban's strategic projects unit and its 2010 programme, said the municipality would also send out food inspectors to ensure that traders were licensed and that their products were safe.

"Durban already has an enviable record of hosting large international events," Ellingson said. "These include the cricket and rugby world cups, the IPL Twenty20 cricket tournament, the Fifa preliminary draw, the A1 Grand Prix and the Comrades Marathon.

"We'll call on that experience to ensure that the same level of safety and security prevails during next year's tournament."

She said safety and security planning was jointly coordinated by the SAPS, Durban's Metro Police, beach law enforcement and independent security companies.

She said the World Cup needed more safety, security and disaster management planning.

Coordination with emergency services would ensure that the teams worked as a unified force. More highly trained staff would be deployed to these specialised teams.

Special emphasis will be given to pedestrian and transport hotspots to minimise security risks to residents and visitors, she said.

"Durban is more than ready to host a safe and secure 2010 World Cup tournament. The city is on track with its projects. We anticipate the arrival of 2010 visitors with confidence," Ellingson said.