SDS

Training of the Algerian Gendarmerie in IEDD, successfully completed at the end of November, with further programs planned for next year. Bomb Blast surveys for additional protection and invacuation continued right up to the Christmas break.

“With an expected completion date in 2010, Algeria’s $11.2 billion East-West Highway is the largest public works project in the world.

Its cost will be covered by Algerian oil revenues, a major source of income, part of which is funding the North African country’s current $60 billion economic development program.

Begun in 2005, the six-lane highway will stretch 756 mi. (1,216 km) between Algeria’s borders with Morocco and Tunisia and will eventually connect Algiers, Constantine, Oran, Annaba, Tlemcen and Setif.

The route of the highway will take it across half of the country’s 48 wilayas (provinces). With approximately a dozen tunnels, 70 viaducts, and 60 interchanges, as well as numerous truck stops, service stations and maintenance facilities, it will link airports and ports as well as the two borders and the cities mentioned.

The massive project is expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs, not only during construction but also for provision of maintenance and service industries connected with the highway after its completion.

SDS have won the competitive tender for the supply of Contraband detectors and cable/wire detectors to the New Zealand Defence Force. This will be the first supply of Falcon (contraband) outside of the UK MOD and will benefit from the revolutionary graphics package, a considerable technological breakthrough, unique for gamma backscatter equipment for the detection of explosives and drugs.

Portable X-ray systems continue to be at the top of many clients’ requirements particularly now that Polaroid film has stopped production. For the basic CCD system Fox-Ray IIe, recently purchased by Thames Valley Police, is the way forward as it is the only system of its kind that can subsequently be upgraded for use with the Amorphous Silicon (ASi) screens without having to change most of the components. The ASi systems like Fox-Rayzor can now have Duel Energy (DE) as an added feature – again a significant breakthrough for use with the pulsed generators from Golden Engineering.

Launch of the SDS Catalogue online.

With over 70 specialist products from the very best in X-Ray and Metal detector equipment to the latest in fast and effective liquid and contraband detection. 

SDS continues to support the UN and its many Agencies worldwide with recent contracts including further agencies in Jordan and Tunisia.

Dr John Wyatt MBE, Technical Director of SDS Group commented: "Using expert knowledge of blast effects, over 30 building surveys have been carried out in Geneva alone to provide better protection for these agency organisations and their staff."

SDS is also involved in helping at the design stage for new buildings and is presently carrying out work for the new landmark Conference Centre in Geneva to ensure compliance with the UN Mitigation Strategy.