2010 upgrade to cost R600m
2009-05-30 18:23
Johannesburg - More than R600m is being spent in Tshwane on infrastructure upgrades for the 2010 soccer world cup, the municipality said on Saturday.
"Loftus Versfeld is being upgraded to the tune of R131m," said City of Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa in a statement.
"A further R28m goes to the stadium precinct upgrading for projects such as paving, park-and-ride facilities and CCTV cameras."
Training venues for the cup at HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi and Super Stadium in Atteridgeville are also being upgraded at a cost of R74m and R48m respectively.
The Pilditch stadium, a training venue for the Confederations Cup, will also see some minor upgrades.
Transport is also a focus of revamping ahead of the international sporting events.
"All major routes are being upgraded to the value of R322m, including suburban routes in Hatfield, Arcadia, Mamelodi, Soshanguve and Atteridgeville."
There are 239 graded accommodation facilities in Tshwane, which provide 5 500 and over 9 200 ends.
The municipality is trying to ensure that as many accommodation facilities are graded over the next few months.
This is so that they can then be accredited by MATCH which is FIFA's official provider of services like accommodation.
"In particular, establishments in the townships are being targeted for assistance with grading.
"To date 81 bed and breakfasts and guesthouses were identified for grading."
About 100 new buses would also be running on dedicated routes for the Confederations Cup.
"Twenty will be committed to park-and-ride services at LC de Villiers sports grounds, with ten for similar facilities from the Pretoria Sports Union."
Other buses would be deployed to provide transportation to Menlyn Park and the Colonnade shopping centres, the Centurion business district, Pretoria main station and various townships.
- SAPA