Africa-Press – Eswatini. IT’S good news for athletes as the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs has completed Phase 2 of the Somhlolo National Stadium rehabilitation, which has seen the installation of a new synthetic running track.
This was revealed by Ministry of Sports Principal Secretary Prince Mlayeto during a tour of the stadium yesterday to view the progress made where he highlighted that government was committed to modernising the stadium.
“We are excited about all the good work done under Phase 2, including the installation of a new artificial turf, which has been certified by FIFA.
The completion of Phase 2 means we will soon be able to reopen the stadium for public use and we are excited about the prospects of welcoming the different sections of the nation which use this much-loved venue. Our rehabilitation of the stadium will continue with Phase 3 and this part of our efforts are to modernise the stadium and ensure that Emaswati have access to adequate sporting infrastructure,” he said.
The second phase of the rehabilitation began in 2021 and included the installation of a new artificial turf, installation of a new synthetic running track, construction of a media tribune and installation of a new public address system. The sports ministry through Micro-Projects, has completed all of the work under the phase with focus now set to shift to Phase 3.
Relevant
This means that other sporting codes, namely track and field events can now be hosted by the stadium following a green light by the relevant stakeholders within government.
Modern
Phase 3 will see the construction of a new modern wall fence with automated entry points and the construction of a new sewer line. Since 2018, the ministry’s rehabilitation of the stadium has also seen the installation of new floodlights as well as the refurbishment of the stadium’s entire backroom area, which consists of dressing rooms, media rooms and VIP suites.
The stadium is still banned from hosting category A international football matches despite the on-going rehabilitation works.
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