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The road to South Africa’s staging of the 2010 FIFA World Cup (WC) tournament has the potential to deliver a multitude of positive spin-offs for the country.
At the end of that road lies the promised land of vastly improved infrastructure for a number of economic sectors, from soft services like telecommunication and tourism/hospitality to hard facilities like improved roads and commuter services.
Along that road, too, is the potential for strong growth and healthy profits for a wide range of sectors.
However, it also poses some real challenges en route to 2010, not to mention the potholes that may arise if the groundwork is not laid thoroughly.
Some sobering figures are contained in an article supplied by the Road Freight Association (RFA) for this edition of Road Ahead. Just consider the holistic impact on the South African economy implied by the following statistics: “ … the estimated 400 000 fans that will descend on South African shores in three years’ time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are expected to consume as much as 2.5 billion litres of water, use 420 000 megawatts of power and create almost 23 000 tons of waste in just 14 days? Our hungry visitors will consume an estimated 674 tons of protein, 173 tons of bread and a further 274 tons of rolls, 86 tons of confectionery and 948 tons of chips. Not to mention all the other items they will need during their stay that will need to be moved by the road freight industry!”
The RFA is to be commended for the fact that the World Cup and the demands placed on the road freight industry will be one of the eagerly anticipated subjects covered at the Road Freight Association (RFA) Convention, which takes place from 18 to 21 May at the Royal Swazi Spa in Swaziland.
It is, however, also an indictment of the overall process that at this late stage of the game the RFA’s CEO has to point out: “What is of concern however, is the lack of detail available on Government’s plans for freight before, during and after this event.”
Just imagine the potential cost factors, not to mention embarrassment, if other sectors like basic food supply fail to plan in time to ensure sufficient stock, supply chain capacity and functionality to cope with demand.Piet Coetzer
