ACTUALITE |
08.08.2003
Omnisport Stadium to Reopen in October
Three members of government yesterday inspected the state of sports infrastructure under construction in Yaounde.
The absence of international standard sports infrastructure in Cameroon is a contrast to the importance sports play in national life. For the past couple of months however, the government, in collaboration with its partners, have embarked on a vast project to rehabilitate existing sports infrastructures as well as build new ones. Yesterday, an interministerial delegation was on the field to inspect the state of advancement of construction work at four sites in Yaounde. Youth and Sports Minister, Bidoung Mpkatt, was accompanied by his colleagues of the Environment and Forestry, Chief Clarkson Tanyi Bianyor, and Town Planning and Housing, Adji Abdoulaye Haman. Also present was Mr Kuo, Economic and Commerce adviser at the Chinese Embassy in Yaounde.
Annex Stadiums
According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, construction work will soon begin on the play grounds adjacent the Yaounde Omnisport stadium. The architect of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Menik Richard, says the work will comprise building a fence and planting grass on the pitches. The Minister of Town Planning and Housing, Adji Abdoulaye Haman, was worried about aesthetics. "A long fence will make the stadium resemble a prison", he said. Minister Bidoung Mpkatt however explained that a fence is indispensable for the security of athletes and management of the stadium, as gate fees would have to be collected when the stadiums start hosting important games.
Omnisport Stadium
The number one stadium in Cameroon has been out of use for sometime now following renovation work. The scanty grass tuff on the pitch is being replaced with a variety that meets international standards (more green and absorbs more water). In the same light, the electronic score board and some sections of Tribune A and B will be repaired. According to the engineers, the work would end in October. The Minister of the Environment and Forestry was worried over the farming behind the stadium. "It weakens the soil and might eventually lead to the collapse of the stadium", he said. When the stadium will open its gates, it will receive a maximum of one match a week to make sure that the grass on the pitch is not overused.
Sports Complex
If we have to go by the words of Mr Kuo, Economic and Commerce Adviser at the Chinese embassy in Yaounde, then construction work will soon begin at the Chinese-financed Sports complex at the Wada junction. Mr Kuo explained that the necessary preparations have been done. "A technical team from China was here last year for feasibility studies. Samples of the soil were collected. The results will soon be available", he said. The Chinese diplomat assured sportsmen that work will start as soon as the bilateral agreement is signed by the two governments and the foundation stone laid. The Minister of the Environment and Forestry, chief Clarkson Tanyi Mbainyor, expressed the wish a study on the environmental impact of the project be carried out. "The Cameroon party should do it", Mr Kuo said.
Military Stadium
The stadium, that is in an advanced state of dilapidation, will soon be renovated. Grass will be planted on the pitch and a stand built for spectators. The wish of the Minister of Youth and Sports is that the stadium should serve as a substitute for the Omnisport stadium.
From all indication, the race to develop sports infrastructure is on.
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