KwaZulu-Natal Correspondent

CONSTRUCTION of Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom remains on schedule for its opening in November, with the bulk of earthworks for Durban's second casino complex completed and the other onsite external work of roads, car parks and services under way.

Situated on 48ha of coastal highland with a 360° view of the ocean and hinterland, Sibaya, in Umdloti on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, is a R727m investment by Sun International subsidiary Afrisun KZN.

The complex includes a 1000m² conference facility, a 540-seat thatched theatre to stage major productions, events and product launches, a 250-seater boma and a Zulu cultural village. The luxury hotel will have 12 suites and 24 rooms, complemented by a wide choice of restaurants and bars and the casino.

Sibaya GM Tristan Kaatze said the concrete structure was at ground and first-floor level with the casino centre core and parts of the concrete roof structure in progress. Brickwork and plastering have begun in the casino basement, and the installation of services starts soon.

Work on the structural steel for the main casino roof domes had begun, with the dome structure for the fast-food area complete, followed by timber boarding and copper cladding. Concrete structure, brickwork and plastering at the hotel was going well. Earthworks had begun for the Zulu village and the theatre's concrete pylons were being erected.

The new interchange on the N2 freeway, a link road to the M4 and a branch leading to the casino were under construction. Kaatze said more than 250000m³ of material had to be moved for the link road.

About 40% of the contract value would go to emerging businesses and black entrepreneurs. By January, 114 previously disadvantaged people were sourced to learn carpentry, plumbing and bricklaying.

May 26 2004 07:19:13:000AM Nicola Jenvey Business Day 1st Edition