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Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the National Director of Sports at the National Sports Authority, has disclosed that the renovation of the Sierra Leone National Stadium is currently 70% to 75% complete, but the project is facing significant delays due to unexpected structural challenges.
These issues primarily concern the planning and installation of seating, which were not adequately addressed in the original contract with the Chinese construction firm overseeing the renovations.
Dr. Abdulai highlighted that while progress has been impressive, complications have arisen from overlooked clauses in the initial agreement. Specifically, the original contract did not account for the installation of individual seating, a requirement mandated by the Confederation of African Football after their inspection two years ago. CAF stipulated that the stadium would not receive approval for international matches unless proper seating was implemented to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during high-pressure events.
The directive from CAF necessitated a lengthy six-month renegotiation with the Chinese contractors, who ultimately agreed to amend the original contract. However, this change has introduced a structural challenge: the existing concrete slab supporting the spectator stands, built in 1979, cannot be drilled into without reinforcement. Dr. Abdulai warned that drilling could jeopardize the stadium’s integrity, posing risks to safety.
To address this issue, the contractors decided to completely remove and rebuild a reinforced foundation capable of safely supporting the new seats. Although this engineering modification is time-consuming, it is essential for ensuring the safety of spectators and the long-term viability of the stadium. The original slab from 1979 is unable to support the new structure without risking collapse, necessitating a substantial reconstruction effort.
Despite these setbacks, progress has been made in other areas of the stadium complex. The practice field and the tennis and basketball courts have been fully completed, while the swimming pool is nearing completion. Additionally, the hostel facilities have been finished and are currently being furnished.
Dr. Saffa expressed confidence that the entire stadium project will be completed by November 2026, provided there are no further delays. He assured the public that once the seating installation and necessary structural reinforcements are finalized, Sierra Leone will have a stadium ready to host international matches in accordance with global standards.
