By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, has expressed renewed optimism over the rehabilitation of the country’s lone national stadium during a site visit by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. The stadium, which has been under renovation for over two years, is expected to be completed within the next year.
Welcoming the Chief Minister and the Chinese contractors on site, Madam James-Teima acknowledged the challenges faced in executing the project, describing it as “a very challenging project.” Despite the difficulties, she emphasized the importance of collective efforts to ensure the timely delivery of the facility.
“I am happy that you are here to form a formidable force together with the Chinese contractors who have been so helpful,” she said, noting that the National Stadium remains the only standard stadium in the country and is crucial to Sierra Leone’s economic, political, and social landscape.
Madam Minister praised the contribution of the Chinese government and contractors in transforming the aging facility. “Let me take this special moment to appreciate the Chief Minister and the Chinese government for making something old-looking fresh again,” she remarked.
With Sierra Leone forced to host international matches abroad due to the ongoing renovations, Madam James-Teima highlighted the toll this has taken on both national support and the players. “We always go out of Sierra Leone to host games… we lose support, have to spend more, and go through ordeals that affect the players,” she said.
She confirmed collaboration with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to working within the updated project schedule to ensure the stadium is ready for use by next year.
“We have no option but to have it by next year because the people of Sierra Leone need their stadium back,” the Minister concluded.