An East London-based Christian television network is expected to get a much-needed facelift during the next few months.
Work at River Park, home to Faith Broadcasting Network (FBN) and River Church, is currently underway after Pastor André Roebert signed a contract with Avalon Steel Projects for the start of the major renovations.
The church started raising funds for the renovations of their roof last year during the Get Ready Conference, which hosted international evangelist, Benny Hinn.
At the time, the funds for a new dome were estimated at R15-million.
Media director Dr Waldo Malan said the facelift was a necessity as the old roof was falling to pieces.
“It is a health hazard since it is made of asbestos and it presents a hazard since the glass portions keep on breaking. We have been fixing the roof since purchasing the facility in 1999,” he said.
The amount has now gone up to R30-million.
“The rise in cost is due to many factors. Firstly, it now also includes the casting of a new concrete floor to support the weight of the dome on the building.
“Furthermore, the roof design is of such a nature that it is ‘tied back’ into the floor,” said Malan.
He added the initial design was for a dome over a square portion of the building but they had since altered the portion and it would be over a rectangular area.
“The R30-million therefore includes the dome, the supporting steel grids, the floor and the waterproofing of the entire structure,” he said.
Malan said the church had so far raised about R10.8-million.
“The roof project is an ongoing faith project and we are continually raising more funds to see it completed.
“This is a River Group project, hence all divisions are involved in the effort,” he said.
Malan said during heavy storms some of the areas in the building would start leaking.
“This is not a very good environment for expensive audio and video equipment.
“The added benefit of removing the asbestos roof is the River Group will directly contribute to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation in creating a safer environment.”
He said the dome was phase one of planned renovations to the outer facade of River Park.
“While we are starting with the roof, the plan is still to ‘work our way down’ and eventually end up with a completely refurbished building.”
Malan said the renovations were expected to be completed early in December this year. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
River Park to get a R30m facelift
Work at River Park, home to Faith Broadcasting Network (FBN) and River Church, is currently underway after Pastor André Roebert signed a contract with Avalon Steel Projects for the start of the major renovations.
The church started raising funds for the renovations of their roof last year during the Get Ready Conference, which hosted international evangelist, Benny Hinn.
At the time, the funds for a new dome were estimated at R15-million.
Media director Dr Waldo Malan said the facelift was a necessity as the old roof was falling to pieces.
“It is a health hazard since it is made of asbestos and it presents a hazard since the glass portions keep on breaking. We have been fixing the roof since purchasing the facility in 1999,” he said.
The amount has now gone up to R30-million.
“The rise in cost is due to many factors. Firstly, it now also includes the casting of a new concrete floor to support the weight of the dome on the building.
“Furthermore, the roof design is of such a nature that it is ‘tied back’ into the floor,” said Malan.
He added the initial design was for a dome over a square portion of the building but they had since altered the portion and it would be over a rectangular area.
“The R30-million therefore includes the dome, the supporting steel grids, the floor and the waterproofing of the entire structure,” he said.
Malan said the church had so far raised about R10.8-million.
“The roof project is an ongoing faith project and we are continually raising more funds to see it completed.
“This is a River Group project, hence all divisions are involved in the effort,” he said.
Malan said during heavy storms some of the areas in the building would start leaking.
“This is not a very good environment for expensive audio and video equipment.
“The added benefit of removing the asbestos roof is the River Group will directly contribute to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation in creating a safer environment.”
He said the dome was phase one of planned renovations to the outer facade of River Park.
“While we are starting with the roof, the plan is still to ‘work our way down’ and eventually end up with a completely refurbished building.”
Malan said the renovations were expected to be completed early in December this year. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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