National Stadium upgrade to finish in August
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday January 19, 2016 12:02
The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Nonofo Molefhi told Mmegi Sport yesterday the contractor has been told the stadium renovations should be finished by August.
There are concerns over delays in completing national projects, but the government has pledged to rectify. The National Stadium is fresh from a controversial upgrade, which took more than five years and resulted in cost overruns.
Reputable South African company, Murray & Roberts, has won the latest P44.5million tender to upgrade the ‘pink’ facility.
“We have engaged the contractor and expressed our anxiety over delayed projects. We told them we want the stadium by August in preparation for the Independence celebrations,” Molefhi said.
The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) development manager, Thato Kgosimore said during the renovations, the stadium can still be utilised.
“The stadium can be partially used. Life goes on.
It will depend on the nature of the activity. The east and western stands are available,” he said.
The upgrades will see additional seating on the north and south stands, which will raise the stadium’s capacity to above 25,000. The current seating capacity is 22,500.
Botswana celebrates 50 years of Independence and the festivities are planned for the National Stadium.