Finance minister outlines plans for 2010 World Cup spending

From iht

CAPE TOWN, South Africa: The South African government will spend 17.4 billion rands (US$2.5 billion; €1.9 billion) over the next three years on stadiums and infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said Wednesday that 8.4 billion rands (US$1.2 billion; €900 million) would go to building or upgrading the 10 soccer stadiums to be used in the tournament, with about 9 billion rands (US$1.3 billion; €960 million) to improve transportation and roads around the stadiums.

There has been concern over the spiraling stadium costs — as well as endless construction delays and legal challenges. Some cities have complained that the central government has not allocated enough funding and that the burden of meeting the bill will fall on local authorities and residents.

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