Progress At Durban's 2010 Stadium Continues To Please

29 October, 2008

To anyone looking at Durban's new 2010 stadium, there is no doubt that the completed Moses Mabhida Stadium stadium will be an eye-catching structure and a world-class asset to the city. As progress continues at a pleasing rate, the stadium is heading steadily towards its October 2009 completion and the start of exciting times for Durban residents and visitors.

Julie-May Ellingson, Head of Durban's Strategic Projects Unit and 2010 Programme, says, "Sepp Blatter's recent visit to South Africa didn't bring him to Durban, as his last visit to the city gave him all the proof he needed that Durban continues to be 'ahead of the game'. A FIFA delegation did however visit Durban on 07 October 2008 to view our stadium as part of a country-wide tour. We were very proud to show them the tremendous progress that has taken place since they were last here. We were also delighted to hear that, not only are they impressed with the progress we have made but also complimented the city on our beautiful stadium!"

The various teams involved in construction had a busy September, making significant advancements in numerous areas. The stadium's many supporting structures are now largely complete. This includes piling and ground beams, retaining walls, supporting columns and the floor slabs on each level. As work continues on the stadium bowl, the placing of the pre-cast seating is more than 82% complete. The amphitheatre is also taking great shape and has progressed to 60%. Ellingson says that the arch is now 60% in place, with the compression ring that runs around the perimeter of the roof at 45%
complete.

As we move through October, work is continuing on all of these elements, with an added focus on the external works. This involves the underground storm water lines, which are now 95% complete, the parking garage structure and the podium on Level 3 (the area surrounding the stadium from which spectators enter and exit). The podium is implemented in different areas as, due to its size, the slabs cannot be poured simultaneously: Podium A has progressed to 60%, Podium B has progressed to 31%, Podium C has progressed to 17%, and Podium H is now 20% complete. Podium I in the retail area has progressed to 30%.

The team has also made good progress on the finishes, including plaster,ceilings, shop fronts, doors, vanity tops, etcetera. On Level 1, these are at about 41%, Level 3 is at 40% and Level 4 is at 7%.

Ellingson concludes, "While we have experienced delays due to inclement weather, we are still well on schedule and very pleased with the stadium's development. The project is now approximately 65% complete and, by the beginning of September, a total of approximately 177 515 tons of concrete and 8 591 tons of reinforcement steel had been used." 

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