As other cities start work on their premier World Cup venues, Cape Town has yet to make a final decision on where to build a massive new stadium.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on proposed sites is yet to be released for public participation.

The city is also awaiting the findings of an investigation into alternative sites for the event - launched controversially by new mayor Helen Zille earlier this year.

Robert Macdonald, the mayor's spokesman, said the findings of the investigation into alternative sites and the EIA report was expected next week.

"We are reaching the close of the planning phases and now we have to go into the final evaluation through the public participation process," he said.

"Then a decision has to be made and architects can then be appointed to design and contractors to build."

If plans for Green Point get the go-ahead, the stadium will be built on one of two sites, the existing Green Point Stadium or on a portion of the nearby Metropolitan Golf Course.

A 68,000-seater, all weather, multi-purpose stadium at an estimated cost of R1.2-billion is being planned.

Dr Laurine Platzky, the province's 2010 co-ordinator, said an interim business plan showed that the stadium "would not be a white elephant for Cape Town".

She said funding would come mainly from the National Treasury.

"Once the decision is taken by the three spheres of government on which stadium site to go for, then it's a question of going all-out to ensure the funding is available and that will be finalised in November," she said.

Platzky said the estimated cost of R1.2-billion could be an underestimate. Innovative funding could then be looked at, including sponsorships and the private sector.

"This is a big issue. We are not entirely sure. Obviously when we go up to tender that will be the magical moment," she said.

She said the goal was to have 80% of the spectators at a game arrive and leave by public and non-motorised transport and that hotels in the vicinity would be a great advantage.

"In Cape Town we have a good basic infrastructure with rail but the rolling stock is a big issue. As far as integrated ticketing is concerned, and this is available in most developed cities to move from a bus to a train to a taxi, the plans for an integrated system are well under way and have to be finalised and implemented," she said.

Sunday Times
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge