Construction of Wote stadium in Makueni county may not be completed on time after the contractor Traphes and Nitram Enterprise Limited, sought an extension of two months due to changes in the design.
Managing Director Traphes and Nitram Mark Muendo said the delays were occasioned by last minute changes in the design of the pavilion due to the topography of the site.
‘‘We will be seeking for more time because of the changes in the initial design of the stadium. When we dug the pavilion, the area was soggy leading to some variations,” said Muendo.
The project was earmarked to be completed by December 31 following a presidential directive.
However, speaking Friday when the National Assembly Committee on Sports toured the stadium to assess construction works, Sports Kenya Chairman Fred Muteti directed the contractor to complete the project within the set deadlines.
‘‘The issue of extension of time does not arise, in fact we expect the contractor to complete the project before the timelines because there is a steady cash flow,’’ said Muteti.
He reiterated Sports Kenya’s commitment in ensuring that the project is completed on time and disclosed that a cost variation of Sh12 million caused by the changes of the design has been approved.
“The cost of changes of the pavilion and the retaining wall have been factored and we have enough money,” said the Sports Kenya chairman.
The National Assembly Committee on Sports however expressed its dissatisfaction of the pace of works at the stadium and urged the contractor to mobilize more personnel and machinery to complete the project on time.
“The contractor should increase labour and mobilize materials, otherwise the works may delay,” said the committee vice chair Narok South MP Dr. Korei Ole Lemein.
He was accompanied by MPs Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Cyprian Kubai (Igembe Central) Lydia Haika (Woman Representative Taita Taveta) and Prof. Jacqueline Odoul (nominated).
Also present was area MP Daniel Maanzo and Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.
The Sh300 million stadium was launched in January 2017 but stalled due to lack of funds.
The stadium with a 20,000 capacity is expected to be complete by December 31 and is currently 40 percent complete.
By Roselyne Kavoo
