In the first tangible step in building Nelson Mandela Bay's R1,1-billion World Cup stadium, Lakeview Road in North End will be closed from Monday to give construction crews access to the site.

Municipal spokesman Roland Williams said the municipality had already placed orders for the necessary piping and other infrastructure items and was expecting delivery within the next couple of weeks.

"Thereafter, we are expecting to begin work in earnest," he said.

Williams said a 250m section of Lakeview Road, from Fettes Road to Milner Avenue, would be closed during the construction phase, but the road was not a main thoroughfare.

"Motorists will easily be able to use Milner Road and Prince Alfred Road without any inconvenience."

Asked how the construction would affect businesses, Williams said the municipality had consulted with all of the businesses and property owners in the area, and joint decisions had been made on work hours and other issues to ensure minimal disruption.

"These decisions have been approved by the department of economic affairs, environment and tourism."

He said problems surrounding Park Rugby Club and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), both of which have premises on the designated stadium site, were not cause for concern.

"Park Rugby is a non-issue - the matter has been addressed and they know they will no longer be able to occupy their premises.

"We are a caring municipality and have come to an understanding in principle and will be assisting them in making arrangements for them to move," he said.

Williams said Imatu's lease had also expired, and as a result the union would be moving out soon.

Eastern Province Herald
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge