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REVAMPED SOMHLOLO EYE-CATCHING

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STORIES BY SABELO NDZINISA

 

LOBAMBA – It is now a sight to behold.

Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, yesterday told journalists that phase one in the rehabilitation of the Somhlolo National Stadium was now at over 90 per cent completion. 

While touring the revamped stadium yesterday morning to observe the renovations, particularly the dressing rooms, which are now up to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) standards with an impressive facelift, Bulunga said this was one of key government-led projects. 

He could not hide his delight that the first phase is almost complete, congratulating and further thanking the contractor (Construction Associates), Micro Projects under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development along with all those who have been involved in making sure that work proceeded smoothly amid trouble and uncertainty brought about by COVID-19.

promising

“As a ministry, we have been receiving promising constant reports from our team on the ground and we are pleased with what has been achieved so far. The great work that has been done here addresses issues that had become an Achilles heel for the ministry and other stakeholders for a long time,” he said.

Phase one, operating under a budget of E10 million, focused mainly on fixing the roof of the section which houses all of the stadium’s VIP suites, dressing rooms, referees’ rooms and other facilities. It also focused on renovating these various rooms which were in a terrible state, having been exposed to weather elements as the roof above them was damaged. 

“Fixing and making this section of the stadium temporarily usable whenever there was a big event had become an increasingly costly and frustrating exercise for all stakeholders and we are extremely pleased that this will now be a thing of the past. 

He added that contrary to popular belief, Somhlolo stadium is not just a football venue, but an all- round facility that benefits multiple sporting codes as well as other sectors of society including schools and religious quarters. Bulunga described the venue as a significant heritage site, a stadium that carries with it a substantial part of the country’s history.

“Indeed, it was at this venue that Heads of State and government from all over the world joined throngs of emaswati to witness independence in 1968. It is the same venue where we have witnessed some incredible sporting moments, not least the 2-1 win over Togo in the World Cup qualifiers in 2008. A walk around this venue invoked memories of some of the great finals and spectacles we have witnessed here stretching over five decades,” he proudly declared. 

prudent

He further pointed out that it was the same reason that government has found it prudent to maintain the stadium even when there were plans to construct a new, bigger stadium as articulated in the post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Bulunga stressed that it remained one of government’s goals to create and provide reliable and up-to-standard infrastructure from which multiple sectors of the local society can benefit at affordable fees. 

“Many of you will know that government continues to greatly subsidise booking fees for the stadium and this is done to ensure that every member of our society is able to make use of this iconic venue. We are also pleased to note that many of the issues that led to the stadium being banned from hosting international football games have been addressed including floodlights and dressing rooms. The addressing of these issues as priorities had been a concerted effort by government to put an end to the frustrations that our clubs and national teams have endured over this long period of ban,” he said. 

The former Sihlangu coach also highlighted that much of the work that has been done under the first phase cannot be necessarily seen from a spectator point of view it has covered areas that are not readily accessible to many people but are primarily used by teams and officials. He assured that government’s funds used in this project have been put to good use. 

Bulunga stated that together with their partners, they have drawn up a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for Somhlolo stadium, broken down in phases which cover the refurbishment of other critical areas of the venue.

signified

“We also wish to appeal to the private sector to join hands with us as we seek to refurbish this icon of our kingdom. Government has already signified her intentions to maintain the stadium by investing millions towards the project and we hope that the private sector and other partners can join in to help us preserve this vital piece of Eswatini beautiful history,” he concluded. 

Bulunga toured all the areas that have been renovated including the rooms, which it must be said, looked refreshingly different, matching the standards of some of the world’s best stadiums in terms of set up. He was accompanied by different stakeholders including the Parliament Sports Portfolio Committee represented by Nkwene Member of Parliament (MP) Vulimpompi Nhleko, who is vice-chairman. 

Nhleko praised the work done at the stadium and applauded the constructor, Micro Projects and other vital players involved in the renovations.

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