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Cape Town - Project Namola, which aims to provide an Uber-like service for security in the Monument Park area of the City of Tshwane, is demonstrating the viability of such a product.
"Given that the app is currently only available for Android, that the pilot area only runs in a relatively small area and that it only makes sense for people who live and work in the coverage area to download the app, we’re happy with the uptake," Craig Rivett of Ever Africa told Fin24 about the pilot project.
The app works by using the geo-location of subscribers who need emergency help. By simply pressing a button, a notification is sent to Metro Police members who will respond.
"The most crucial lessons from the pilot so far have been about the responders' app. Our focus during the development stage was around the users’ app and its ability to send an alert to the nearest few available responders and for the responders to accept and be directed to the user," said Rivett.
He added that the pilot programme, which is free to subscribers, is providing valuable insight to improve the platform as Ever Africa eyes plans to scale the project to more South African cities.
Mindshift
"We have realised that the benefit of this app comes from its ability to assist the responders with getting the right information in the moment that they need it."
Around 150 people have downloaded the application, which has created a mindshift among the public about how speedily police can respond to emergencies.
"Providing the ability for citizens to send an alert directly to their nearest responders is a new concept. There is still some uncertainty from the public on how the app can be used to get assistance from the Metro police and other providers quickly," said Rivett.
But community engagement has provided developers with ways to improve the application, which is closely aligned with the StellieSafe programme set for launch soon in Stellenbosch.
"Shortly after the start of the pilot we held an informal community session in Monument Park. Local residents and the CPF provided comments and suggestions on what can be included in the future. Thanks to the feedback from the community, we’ve released about three or four updates to user app since launching the pilot," Rivett said.
Police members have also shown enthusiasm for Project Namola and Rivett said that members on the ground provided valuable suggestions to facilitate a more efficient application.
"We have been pleasantly surprised and grateful at how quickly the TMPD responders on the ground bought into the concept. They have been very enthusiastic and agree that there is potential for this technology to help them with their jobs in a way that makes them and the user safer."
National expansion
As Ever Africa looks to investigate the viability of national expansion, the Monument Park area provides a neat testing ground for how to scale the emergency responder application.
"We have just expanded the coverage area of the pilot area to include Waterkloof Ridge and Erasmusrand. The bigger area should help us better understand what else is needed for a large-scale rollout," said Rivett.
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