By Bianca Capazorio

Economic spin-offs from Nelson Mandela Bay‘s being a host venue for the soccer World Cup will continue in the Eastern Cape for years after the final ball is kicked at the new stadium being built near North End Lake.

That was the message from several speakers at a transport department planning summit to discuss the event and its effects before and after 2010.

Bay Deputy Mayor Bicks Ndoni said: “When a potential investor lands in our province, the first thing he is going to look at is infrastructure. Our roads and airports are part of that.”

The building of roads “to ensure connectivity and accessibility” would also create a number of jobs, and would, together with a good public transport system, result in a tourism boom for the province.

Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo said: “One of the main strategic priorities in our infrastructure investment strategy is to make our coastal route available as a natural resource. More attention will be given to the R72 between East London and Port Elizabeth.

“This is a vital arterial road that supports industry and tourism.”

Thabo Mayosi, senior manager of the Eastern Cape 2010 transportation plan, said funding had been secured for an upgrade to the airstrip at Rhodes, which would facilitate better tourist access to places like the Tiffindell ski resort.

An upgrade would also be carried out at the airstrip at Elliot and at 43 Air School in Port Alfred.

The Herald