Post-World Cup benefits come at a hefty cost
According to VOA News website, the total cost of football's 2010 World Cup in South Africa was $3.8 billion, 10 times more than what was originally planned. In addition, the huge costs associated with maintaining post-World Cup infrastructure have been a point of controversy in the country, causing some to question whether it was worth it.
When it won its bid to host football's 2010 World Cup, the South African government promised its citizens lasting social and economic benefits. Indeed - the revamped roads and street lights, new parks and clean streets and improved sports infrastructure and public transportation are all obvious benefits from the World Cup. But the challenge now is to maintain them.
Despite all the controversy, VOA News website reports, most South Africans agree that the World Cup did reinforced social cohesion in a country hunted by a divisive past. And, many hasten to point out, the infrastructure should be put to use again next year, when South Africa hosts the African Cup of Nations.
Read the full article on www.voanews.com.
