The South African government has been praised for its swift response to the COVID –19 virus. Some calling it world-class, the BBC calling it “ruthlessly efficient” and SKY News stating that it is “the strictest lock down on earth”. However, it is the most vulnerable of our society which government have sought ways to make provision for in this time. Both corporate South Africa and the government have teamed up to make sure that the most vulnerable of society are not left to fight this pandemic alone.    

In light of the pandemic, worsened by fire that caused many to lose their homes in Alexandra, along with the plight of those displaced in Ruimsig & Ekhuruleni, Trumod - leading manufacturer of alternative building solutions, will be donating several of its Tru-Khaya, temporary relief structures to supplement government's efforts and spearhead the charge for alternative building solutions as the epitome of a world-class response, to this raging pandemic.

As news broke about the COVID-19 virus in Wuhan China, late last year, the epidemic, was met with a swift and indeed remarkable response by the Chinese government, attempting to contain the virus and to treat the escalating numbers of infections. In a show of engineering and economic might, the city of Wuhan constructed an emergency hospital in just 10 days; to treat patients infected with the Coronavirus.

In South Africa, the rate of new daily cases is on the rise - in line with projections. Epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, stated in his update to the nation on April 13 that, “South Africa has bought itself time to flatten the curve”. In this attempt to flatten the curve various measures will be used, from active screening to vaccines, South Africa has positioned itself well to respond comprehensively to the pandemic, “we have time to flatten the curve” Said Karim. While the South African Government is working on these systematic interventions, there lies an opportunity to respond in a manner similar to China, that will ensure that healthcare facilities are not overwhelmed but that there is ample capacity in every major hub, to deal with the pandemic.

Using alternative building methods that aren’t governed by the same laws & timelines as traditional brick and mortar methods, alternative building methods provide a solution that can epitomise South Africa’s world class response to this pandemic. From large scale, multi-level medical facilities to, more intimate and specialised health pods. Trumod have begun work on a 150 ICU bed capacity hospital in Gauteng. “Our solutions range from simple tents to sophisticated independent units as long as they comply with WHO requirements for proper ventilation, human flow, distancing and cleanability. Said Peter Thompson, Trumod M.D.

Trumod, through its alternative building methods, also manufacture fire-retardant, temporary relief accommodation, ensuring that those who are the most vulnerable of our society, can enjoy a fighting chance in these challenging times.