The Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the National Sports Authority through the Chinese Aid has on 25th February launched the rehabilitation of Siaka Stevens Stadium.
According to Hu Zhang Liang, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone he felt great pleasure to be part of the launching of the Renovation of Siaka Stevens Stadium by the Chinese Aid and the relationship between China.
He said Sierra Leone has enjoyed the honored friendship and the Chinese President accorded great importance of China to Sierra Leone friendship. He noted that 43 years Stadium was built by China’s Government in 1979 and has been a landmark in Freetown it has also served as a monument between Sierra Leone and China relationship which has hosted major Sporting activities.
He affirmed that the request by the Sierra Leone Government makes it possible for the Chinese government to come in and help with the renovation of the Siaka Stevens and after the renovation, it will be one of the most modern and comprehensive Stadium in Africa.
He added that rehabilitation will include the restoration, reinforcement, redecoration of the main Stadium, Swimming Pool, and others not limited to athletes’ hostel and there will be the construction of more than one thousand buildings facilities.
He said this will include the drainages such as air conditioning, the installation of artificial turf, new screen board, athletes track, lighting equipment.
He added that the renovation will last for another 40 years and the Chinese government wants to help Sierra Leone to be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations matches.
Dr. Francis Kaikai the Minister of Planning and Economic Development said the gathering is to help promote other development agendas that resonate with all Sierra Leoneans namely renovation or rehabilitation of our Siaka Stevens Stadium which has served as a national icon for over 43 years.
“Mr. Chairman let me seize this moment for and behalf of President Julius Maada Bio to thank the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhang Liang for his one shift that signifies the 50 years friendship between the public of China and Sierra Leone,” the Minister said.
He affirmed that the day ceremony is in fulfillment of President Bio’s plans that he has set out to do for sports development in Sierra Leone. He noted that in the cluster (6) of the plan which states that the development of Sports and the construction of Sports facilities was part of President Bio`s Promises and recent developments in the football arena including Sierra Leone qualifications and the phenomenal participation in the open stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Dr. Francis Kakai commended the government and the People’s Republic of China to have consented to support the rehabilitation with a grant of US 40 million, which according to him is expected to bring the facility to modern International standards within the next two years.
The Minister of Sports Ibrahim Nylenkeh said upon his assumption into office, his greatest hope was to have an indelible footprint by embarking on a profitable transformation across all spectra in the Sporting circle, a commitment made by the Bio led administration.
He said the renovation work is a testament to the bond that exists between the two countries.
“Our partnership extends well beyond the confines of international forums. Just a glance at Sierra Leone landscape will reveal some of the magnificent fruits of this diplomatic relationship” he said.
The Gansu Construction investment (Holding) Group Co.Ltd (GCIGC) is the Construction Company that will undertake the rehabilitation of the Sierra Leone Siaka Stevens Stadium and is expected to finish two years projects.