EDITOR – Just as I predicted, Durban will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, making me the winner – if I had wagered on this.
Now to see if Durban really is the winner – in the fruition of the promises it made to all and sundry.
Especially that the R98m the country spent on the bid and the estimated (in bold italics) R3.4b (yes, billion), at March 2015 rates, it will now spend on #CWG2022 will see a “bonanza”.
The “bonanza”, according to a report that formed part of the Durban 2022 Bid Book, would include expenditure of R20-billion, which will translate into GDP growth of R11-billion, 11,650 jobs, training for 10 000 volunteers, some of whom will be youth from rural areas, fast-tracking housing development through the building of the athletes' village and Durban's public transport system.
By my thinking, CWG supporters would spend R20b in the country, the country GDP would gain R11b (and Durban?), 11 650 (strange figure) jobs will be available (till the Games are over?), volunteers would have souvenirs to show for it, post-Games, Cornubia would be ready for occupation by the poor presently in transit camps, and the Durban public transport system would be given yet another make-over (with the blessings of the taxi bosses?).
Another wager – even after the Games (or before), Durban residents should not expect the “Caring City” to deliver on its basic responsibilities – you know, like on-going, proper policing and clean, safe streets, or that Durban is now, now, very now shoring up reserves of wool to feed the spin in support of an Olympics bid.
Why? er, 'cos Durban is an events coordinator, not a city operator – remember “it's not our job! – circa February 2015”? That why!
Sigh – Durban, Where the Lies Never Set.
Mahmood
North Beach
