Hon Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, yesterday – Tuesday 19 September, 2023 inspected the renovation work on the National Stadium at Brookfields, Freetown. The inspection was geared towards indicating government’s interest in the renovation work, and to take stock of progress made so far. Vice President Jalloh explained that his visit was a demonstration of the keen interest the Government attaches to the renovation process and to appreciate the Chinese Government and the workers on the construction site for their efforts; he added that the visit will also provide him the opportunity to take stock of concerns in the renovation work that will be discussed later.
Vice President Jalloh expressed Government plan to see the renovation work completed in a timely manner. He stated that the renovation of the stadium is not just for international matches but for premier league football. He underscored the relevance President Julius Maada Bio attaches to premier league football; reason he maintained the New Direction Government made efforts to kick start the premier league in Sierra Leone. He stated that premier league does not only contribute to the economy through the sales of tickets, food and drinks; but it also creates jobs for people, especially the youths.
“The idea behind the stadium work is not just about international football matches, but to meet the socio-economic needs of Sierra Leonean people doing business around football” Vice President Jalloh averred. He described the National Stadium as an epitome of sports in Sierra Leone including football and track events.
Dr Jalloh noted that Government is looking forward to see the stadium up and running, since the stadium plays an economic and social role in the lives of people. He emphasized on Government position to see the stadium back on track as soon as possible.
Vice President Jalloh encouraged the Minister of Sports to put in a place a viable management architecture that guarantees the proper management of the renovated stadium facilities to be enjoyed by Sierra Leoneans. He noted that stadium plays an important role in the lives of Sierra Leoneans by creating jobs for people to work in the hostel, pool, parking lot, security among others, adding that the stadium will create a whole chain of employment and help small businesses to grow. He highlighted poor management of the facilities, squatting in the stadium, and parking vehicles inside the stadium as some of the challenges identified.
Ambassador Wang Qing of the Peoples Republic of China attached to Sierra Leone described the renovation work of the stadium as a symbolic project of the China/ Sierra Leone friendship. He expressed appreciation for the visit of Vice President Jalloh to the renovation site. Ambassador Qing therefore called for joint efforts by the Chinese Government, Ministry of Sports, the personal commitment of Vice President Jalloh to ensure the work is completed as early as possible.
Augusta James Tema, Minister of Sports assured the Vice President of her commitment to ensure the work is completed within the deadline. She informed the Vice President of efforts she has made to address the issue of seats in the stadium, stressing that Government will lose a lot, if the issue is not address. She concluded that the cost of playing football matches outside Sierra Leone that are supposed to be played in the country is huge in terms of money, time, and stress. The Honorable Vice President visited stadium hostel, practicing field, swimming pool, main bowl, among other in the stadium. The reinforcement work in the renovation process is almost completed, whilst the installation work will soon commence according to the Chinese Engineer.
By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
