Roofing considered for National Stadium
Oageng Batenegi | Friday July 15, 2016 11:04
Olopeng said climatic conditions, particularly heat, make it necessary to roof the stadium.
The minister was responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Wynter Mmolotsi who wanted to know why the stadium was prioritised yet there are other pressing economic matters. Olopeng said the project is of national importance hence the need to upgrade the stadium when the need arises.
The minister said sport is now viewed as a source of employment for the youth.
Mmolotsi also wanted to know the reasons for the current P45million upgrades and the minister said the intention is to increase capacity from 20,000 to 23,000. Olopeng referred to the Francistown Sports Complex and said the 25,000-seater had made a positive contribution to football and sport in general since it was opened last year.
Gaborone Central MP, Phenyo Butale had initially asked Olopeng to update Parliament on the state of the National Stadium, including costs.
He also wanted to know the cost (overruns) of the 2010 renovations as well as what was really done to upgrade the stadium at the time. Olopeng said there have been several upgrades since the stadium was built in the 1960s.
The minister did not have the initial cost since the facility was constructed a long time ago.
The tendered value cost for the 2010 was P66.6 million. The minister said the works included renovation of seating areas, provision of seats for three stands, refurbishments of toilets, provision of 20 offices, gymnasium hall, improvement of the VIP area, and water proofing to three stands with offices below them.
He added that other renovations included the upgrading of the pitch and running track, provision of new goal posts and retractable tunnel, improvement to storm water drainage and parking area behind the grand stand. Olopeng said there was also cleaning and re-painting of the perimeter wall and other associated mechanical and electrical works.
“There were no cost overruns in the 2010 renovations of the stadium,” Olopeng said.