By Chumani Bambani

Nelson Mandela Bay 2010 executive director Errol Heynes has dismissed reports that girders for Port Elizabeth‘s World Cup soccer stadium were damaged while being off-loaded.

Word was that a number of the girders had fallen and had been severely damaged, resulting in delays as more had to be ordered from Dubai.

“There is no truth in the rumour. During the off-loading process it was found that some, maybe two, of the girders were slightly damaged.

“It is minor damage and they will be repaired locally,” said Heynes.

Speaking at a business briefing organised by the PE Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Businesswomen‘s Association on Wednesday on the readiness of the metro to host 2010, Heynes said the first two of three consignments had already arrived.

He emphasised that there were many opportunities as part of the World Cup but much still needed to be done.

“We need to create excitement and hype around the World Cup. If we make it a success, there will be great spin-offs beyond the tournament. All we need is positivity to surround it.

“The perception of crime in the country is not a good one overseas. We need to up our game in that regard. There is a great need for collaboration with the government, police, private security services and, more importantly, the communities.”

Everything was said to be on schedule with the construction of the stadium, except for the installation of the roof, which was 17 days behind schedule as a result of a delay in the shipment‘s arrival.

However, Heynes was confident the deadline of March 13 next year would be met.

Financial challenges with regard to the stadium include the countrywide price escalations, tender prices increasing due to market forces, import duties and the inconsistent fuel prices. However, these were said not to be delaying progress.

The Nelson Mandela Bay local organising committee is planning to host a “big walk” to raise World Cup awareness.

“We will maybe host one before the end of the year and another before 2010,” said Heynes.

Source: The Herald