Speaking at a business breakfast organised by the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber of Trade & Industry recently, the liaison officer of the City for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Pieter Cronje, said: "This will be a unique window of opportunity for Cape Town, South Africa and the continent, and it is a fait accompli with mutual commitment from FIFA and the South African Government."

Cronje said the main goal for Cape Town is to establish sustainable upgraded infrastructure and facilities, create economic opportunities, and promote the city as a desirable destination for travellors and investors.

"The scope is enormous and can create a provisional income of more than US$ 3 billion plus investment in soccer development.

Cronje presented the plans and graphic impressions of the 2010 World Cup Green Point stadium. He gave the assurance that the stadium will be world-class, FIFA compliant, sustainable and not excessive. "The total cost will be R2,49 billion, of which the City of Cape Town will contribute R400 million, and Provincial Government just over R100 million.

National Treasury has been requested to contribute R2 billion. He emphasised that this was stadium specific, and not discretionary funding which could be utilised for other purposes.

The whole Western Cape will be included in the plans and public viewing areas (where large groups can assemble to watch the tournament on big screen televisions) will be supported with substantial amounts from City/Province operational budgets.

The FIFA World Cup event has succeeded in speeding up much-needed transport improvements for the Mother City, including:

• R1.9 billion jointly provided by all three spheres of government to improve Cape Town's transport infrastructure.
• Major investment in the rail system - rail transport also planned from Airport to Cape Town CBD.
• Development, enhancement of strategic transport corridors and major routes.
• Restructuring road-based public transport services into unified, integrated public transport services.
• Investment in long distance public transport facilities
• Investment in non-motorised transport facilities (NMT)
• Intelligent transport systems and travel demand management
• Stadium Precinct Infrastructure and inner city distribution system
• Comprehensive overall operational management of the support systems including safety and security.
  

Investment in the metropolitan area will be enormous:

• R1.2 Billion to ACSA for Cape Town International Airport upgrades
• R1.2 Billion to SARCC for new and refurbished rail rolling stock
• R420 Million to SARCC for station and signalling upgrades
• R7 Billion investment in the V&A waterfront, plus 2010 related investment
• Six approved new hotels to be constructed
• Release of developable land to raise finance
• Upgraded IT&T infrastructure if Cape Town hosts the International Broadcast Centre
  

The process is progressing well, according to Cronje: "The design has been completed, the construction pre-qualification done, and we are hoping to appoint the contractor by mid December, so that construction can start during January 2007, in order to achieve completion by July 1909."

Cape Town Tourism has also established a strategic plan with the focus on the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup, according to Arno Vorster, chairman of Cape Town Tourism, and Executive Council member of the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber.

"We are planning a travel centre in collaboration with the airport authorities - for local and international visitors," said Vorster. "The future of tourism lies in partnerships between the private sector and public sector to ensure that every day of the year will have lots to offer."

The Cape Summer Show was also highlighted by the Managing Director Danie Roos. "It will take place from 14 to 23 December this year at the Killarney Race Track, and will provide exposure and entertainment for visitors and exhibitors.

We intend to make this an annual event, and we are also planning a "Cape Winter Show" on 22 and 23 June 2007 together with the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber.

Molo Says: Read more about the FIFA 2010 World Cup in our 2010 Soccer World Cup section.Downloadour Google Earth Maps of South-Africa and all the World Cup 2010 Stadiums.