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State of the Nation Address

Preparations on track for 2010 World Cup

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:53

By Proffesor Ndawonde

Preparations are on track for South Africa to deliver a world class 2010 FIFA World Cup, reports President Jacob Zuma.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on June 3, President Zuma said one of the largest infrastructure investment projects for government was the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“We have, as government and the nation at large, pledged that the World Cup will leave a proud legacy from which our children and our communities will benefit for many years to come,” he said.

The fourth South African democratically elected President indicated that government and the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee were putting all systems in place to make the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup, which kicks off on the 14th of June, a huge success.

President Zuma said another development which should boost the 2010 World Cup was the roll-out of the digital broadcasting infrastructure and signal distribution transmitters.

The FIFA 2010 World Cup is one of the foremost infrastructure projects that the newly-formed Infrastructure Development Cluster of government will ensure is properly planned for and executed.

President Zuma said one of government’s strategic priorities was the continuation of its programme to build economic and social infrastructure.

“The newly-formed Infrastructure Development Cluster of government will ensure that the planned R787 billion infrastructure expenditure as provided for in the budget earlier this year is properly planned for and executed,” he said.

National government is responsible for the delivery of 17 guarantees made to FIFA. These guarantees are contained in the bid book and are required of any country hosting the World Cup.

They include access to South Africa, a supportive financial environment, intellectual property and marketing rights, safety and security, healthcare services, transport and telecommunications.

– BuaNews