With the first game of the 2010 World Cup exactly two years away, many in host country South Africa are concerned about rising inflation, increased violence, and skyrocketing costs of stadium construction.
"Organising committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan told Reuters he expected the final cost for the construction and renovation of 10 venues for the finals to finish well above the current budget of 9.8 billion rand ($1.24 billion)."
"'It will probably be over 10 billion rand,' Jordaan said, adding that the financing of the venues remained a challenge."
"'We are dealing with now with final costs of the stadiums, which are soaring as a result of the downturn in the world economy and rising fuel prices,' he said."
"South African inflation hit a 5-1/2 year high of 10.4 percent in April. Rising fuel prices and likely electricity price hikes to address a dire power crisis mean it could go higher."
"Jordaan said recent attacks on African immigrants, accused by poor South Africans of taking jobs and fuelling a crime wave, also had a potentially negative impact on the tournament. At least 62 people were killed and nearly 100,000 displaced."
FULL STORY: S.Africa braced for soaring construction costs
The Link Between Urban Design and Crime
A meta-study shows that public realm interventions can help reduce crime rates.
Is Crime More Concentrated in Spread-out Cities?
Our nation's most transit-friendly cities have lower crime rates than many sprawling cities- yet some people seem to feel safer in sprawling cities because they believe that in sprawl, crime is concentrated in just a few neighborhoods. Is this correct?
But... Europe
European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport