The world soccer body, Fifa, has set stringent requirements for the neighbourhoods surrounding Joburg's 2010 World Cup stadiums.

Apart from refurbishing FNB and Ellis Park stadiums and increasing their capacities, millions of rands have to be spent improving the stadiums' "precincts" - from parking garages and fan entertainment zones to security measures.

With three years to go before the soccer showpiece kicks off, work is now under way to ensure that the two Joburg venues have their best dresses on long before the guests arrive.

Fifa's requirements include:

• Spectator entertainment and parking: the council has to provide multi-level parking garages that are "fenced and guarded", well-lit and signposted. Plenty of parking has to be provided - one car bay for every six spectators, and, for buses, one bay for every 120 spectators.
• Parking for media and officials also has to be guarded and well lit.

Fifa stipulates that parking for the disabled be provided with the same lighting and security enjoyed by others.

• Security: Fifa's requirements include a closed-circuit television system that has to be able to monitor everything that moves around the stadium precinct - from cars to pedestrians - and the images have to be relayed to a main command centre;

• Information: Electronic "spectator orientation" boards have to be erected to inform visitors where they are and where they need to go;

• Helicopter facilities: A Civil Aviation Authority-certified temporary helipad has to be built at both stadiums in case there is a need for a helicopter to land - either for VIPs or medical emergencies;

• Public toilets need to be spread evenly throughout the stadium areas;

• Entertainment: "Fan Entertainment Zones", which include refreshment and merchandise kiosks have to be in place in stadium precincts, as well as well-lit, 2500m² "commercial display areas", which need to have electricity and telephone lines. Public telephones also have to be spread throughout stadium precincts;

• Electricity: The stadium areas' power systems, including emergency lighting, have to be able to reach the furthest spectator parking bay. And all pedestrian approaches to the stadium from the furthest public parking area have to be well lit. Public information desks need to have good lighting and Internet connections;

• First aid: Temporary spectator first aid zones with reliable electricity, water and good lighting need to be in place;

• Storage: Store rooms for confiscated goods (like branded clothing that does not conform to Fifa's marketing rules) and an area dedicated to measures for Fifa rights protection programmes need to be in place; and
• Hospitality: Around FNB Stadium, which will host the cup's opening ceremony and final match, Fifa requires 35000m² of space for use by sponsors to entertain clients. A further 50000m² is required for restaurants and entertainment for spectators, serv ed by a 1400-bay parking lot and space for 520 buses.

At Ellis Park, two 10000m² areas must be available for sponsors and spectators, serv ed by 650 car parking bays and 285 for buses.