Sporting glory to cost R10bn

R10-billion. That's what it is likely to cost Durban if it is successful in its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The only other bidding city, Canada's Edmonton, pulled out of the bidding on Tuesday, citing the high cost, raising hopes - and some fears - that Durban will be the first African city to host the Commonwealth Games.

Debate about whether South Africa can afford to host the event, which is likely to cost at least R10-billion, has been ignited. That is more than the R7-billion allocated in last year's budget for grants to support 435000 subsistence and 544000 small-scale farmers.

But despite the costs, Durban council's executive committee has agreed to push ahead with the bid.

Presenting a report to the committee, deputy city manager for community and emergency services Musa Gumede said the cabinet had "finally taken the decision to support the bid".

The bid alone will cost R98-million - to be funded by the municipal, provincial and national government.

Durban has set aside R18-million for the bid, which will be lodged in London on March 2. The host city will be named on September 2.

"A lot has been done already because the Commonwealth Games Federation is expecting a formal bid on March 2. Everything we needed to do we have already done," said Gumede.

According to the report, the city has the necessary infrastructure in place, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Kings Park rugby ground, Kings Park Aquatics Centre, and existing hockey, cricket and soccer fields likely to be used.

"The big investments required for infrastructure will be for the rehabilitation of existing facilities, an athletes' village and a broadcasting centre," said the report.

However, the financial repercussions are not yet known.

"Sport and Recreation SA and the Treasury are finalising the total budget," the report said.

Based on the costs incurred by previous host cities, this country can expect to have to fork out at least R10-billion to host the event.

Last year's Glasgow event cost R10-billion and the 2002 and 2006 games, in Manchester and Melbourne, cost just shy of R12-billion.

SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee CEO Tubby Reddy said he had noted Edmonton's withdrawal but Durban would continue to "follow due process" and lodge its bid on time.

But DA councillor Heinz de Boer, a member of the executive committee, said the costs had to be considered.

"Anybody who is not concerned about the costs of something like this would not be a responsible leader," he said.