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The cleanup operation to fix damage done to the Mbombela 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium, caused by a recent freak wind storm, is well underway as construction workers arrive back on site after a short festive season break.

According to the resident engineer at Mbombela stadium, Leon Botha, the damage was mainly done to an on-site crane, which was toppled by abnormally strong winds.

Ten precast seating beams were damaged in the crane's fall, but this will have little effect on construction progress at the stadium.

"We experienced some minor superfluous concrete damage on the upper deck, raker beams and a concrete manhole. Some materials that were stored adjacent to the stadium were also damaged," said Botha.

According to Mbombela's 2010 Coordinator, Differ Mogale, the accident will in no way affect the completion deadline of the stadium of October 2009. "We are still on track and the contractor is continuing with work," he said of the stadium which is now 60 percent complete.

It is estimated that repairs will take a month or two and will be carried out while normal construction continues.

As it was a workers holiday on the day there were no injuries reported from the incident.

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