How cities and countries get ready for big events like the World Cup and the Olympics, what challenges they face, and what opportunities these mega-events can create.
"The decision to exempt FIFA is based on the assessment that Brazil stands to win a lot more by the stimulating effect on the economy. Releasing tax money will have a smaller impact than what is set to be generated by the economy and will be collected through taxes," the [Brazilian Planning Minister Nelson Machado] noted.
Ratepayers will bear the brunt of the ballooning costs of the City of Cape Town's R4.5-billion public transport system and the expected R99-million operating shortfall - by paying higher property taxes, parking and fuel levies, paying for permits to use the city's roads or by contributing to a new Local Business Tax.
It was estimated in August, 2008, that the first phase of the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) would cost R1.3bn.
But a year later, the city council was asked to downscale the first phase because of unexpected cost escalations. These escalations are now under forensic audit and the findings are expected to be released this week.
