Costs rise for 2010 football World Cup

South Africa will spend around R30 billion on hosting the 2010 World Cup, according to a report released on Tuesday.

“This report shows we have complied with literally every guarantee we have made, we even went beyond that,” Sports Minister Mike Stofile told the Sapa news agency. About R20 billion had already been made available for infrastructure investment, added Stofile at a ceremony to hand over the 2010 mid-term government report to the country’s deputy president.South Africa is spending billions to build new stadiums and upgrade others but there has been concern high levels of violent crime and construction delays might cast a cloud over the finals.There have also been fears South Africa’s power crisis might black out the World Cup although officials have said all stadiums will have power for the tournament.Nationwide power cuts since the start of the year have left millions of people without electricity and forced industry, including large mines, to shut down or restrict consumption.Generators will be in place for all matches but worries remain the crisis could give fans from overseas a reason to stay at home.South Africa, the first African country to host the World Cup, is hoping to attract about 450 000 visitors for the finals.Nampa-SapaAbout R20 billion had already been made available for infrastructure investment, added Stofile at a ceremony to hand over the 2010 mid-term government report to the country’s deputy president.South Africa is spending billions to build new stadiums and upgrade others but there has been concern high levels of violent crime and construction delays might cast a cloud over the finals.There have also been fears South Africa’s power crisis might black out the World Cup although officials have said all stadiums will have power for the tournament.Nationwide power cuts since the start of the year have left millions of people without electricity and forced industry, including large mines, to shut down or restrict consumption.Generators will be in place for all matches but worries remain the crisis could give fans from overseas a reason to stay at home.South Africa, the first African country to host the World Cup, is hoping to attract about 450 000 visitors for the finals.Nampa-Sapa