September 10, 2007
By Ndaba Dlamini
SOCCER City, where work is underway to upgrade the stadium in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, saw a celebration on Friday, 7 September – 500 000 injury-free work hours.
The work is being done through a joint venture between Grinaker, LTA and Interbeton.
Cause for a celebration: the executive director for 2010 in the City, Sibongile Mazibuko congratulates the construction workers at the FNB stadium on their safety record
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
"I am proud to say that the contractor has reported no injuries, fatalities or accidents of any nature since the beginning of construction on 1 February 2007," executive director of Joburg 2010, Sibongile Mazibuko, told guests and construction workers at the ceremony at the stadium.
The FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is being reconstructed at a cost of R1.5-billion and is expected to seat 94 000 people, up from the present 70 000. The stadium will host the opening ceremony and match as well as the final match of the World Cup.
Some 1 300 workers are currently employed on the construction site, according to project manager Mike Moody.
"We have a training programme where all our workers are taught safety precautions. I am glad to say the workers have stuck to what they are being taught and we hope to continue with a clean record until the end of construction in April 2009."
The work at the stadium is ahead of schedule, according to Moody.
The original stadium has been stripped and "everything" is being rebuilt, he added. Tiers of seating and an encircling roof will be added right round the stadium and the 85 suites at the stadium will be increased to 184 once the stadium is completed.
Project manager Mike Moody, executive director for the City's 2010 projects Sibongile Mazibuko, and the managing director of the consortium Neil Cloet congratulate the construction teams on their safety record
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
After the formalities, the workers were treated to a braai and drinks – a "thank you gesture" from the contractor.
"Work on the stadium stopped at exactly 3pm today to allow workers to enjoy this day. They deserve being spoilt," said Moody.
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