By Alpha Abu
A $40 million revamp of the Siaka Stevens Stadium is set to commence after turning of the sod at the facility on Friday 25 February 2022. The symbolic event was jointly undertaken by the Minister of Development and Economic Planning Dr. Francis KaiKai and China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
The country’s main stadium located in the west of Freetown will undergo extensive rehabilitation and the construction of additional structures within the complex, which was first built by the Chinese Government in 1979.
Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang at his preceding statement during the event that was attended by Government officials including Members of Parliament and representatives of football clubs and other sporting disciplines, said rehabilitation of the stadium would enable the country to host major international sporting events. He said when completed the complex will meet international standards and promote sports in the country.
He spoke about the numerous changes to be effected that would see the overhauling of the current Lawn Tennis Court and the construction of Pavilions for spectators, improvement to the Swimming Pool facilities, provision of a new Scoreboard and Lighting system, the renovation of the Hostels and the construction of new buildings. Artificial turf is to be introduced for the main pitch, and the practicing field upgraded. The look of the stands is to be improved as well as those of other sports within the complex. Work will also be done on the drainage system and athletics track.
The ambassador spoke about the strong level of ties between China and Sierra Leone spanning some 50 years and asserted his government’s continued support for his host country.
Minister KaiKai in his statement highlighted the importance of sports to the government’s development plans. He mentioned some of the events the stadium has hosted over the years including the Budapest-Dakar Rally, Crusades, political rallies and inaugurations, as well as entertainment shows.
But he said the edifice has become outdated, awkward-looking, and prone to disasters. He said stadiums all over the world add to the beautification of cities and that President Julius Maada Bio solicited the assistance of China for the stadium’s transformation and which the Chinese government has consented to support.
Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyellenkeh also spoke about the immense support China has given to Sierra Leone over the years.
The contract to rehabilitate the stadium was won by Gansu Construction Investment Group Co.Ltd of China. Work is set to start immediately and would take two years to complete. The facility faced a series of bans from hosting competitive international football matches and other sporting events over the years because of its poor standards.
Siaka Stevens Stadium will be closed to all sports for the next two years. With the closure, the country has only the mini stadium in Bo Southern Sierra Leone that could perhaps host international matches. It has very limited seats and the bigger area reserved for standing fans could have security concerns.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (28/02/22)
