Sports Kenya is impressed with the progress of construction works at the Wote Stadium that was pledged by the government during the 2017 general election.
The Sports Kenya Head of Business Development, Julius Mbii said the construction of the stadium that currently stands at 40 percent is progressing well and expressed his optimism that the facility will be complete within the stipulated timelines.
“I want to register our appreciation; we can see serious progress of the works here and we are optimistic that the targets that we have set will be achieved based on what we have seen,’’ said Mbii on Monday during an inspection tour of the facility.
He assured of Sports Kenya’s commitment in supporting the contractor, Traphes and Nitram Limited, to ensure that the stadium is complete without further delay.
“As Sports Kenya we will ensure that there is enough facilitation and it’s upon the contractor to expedite the work and request for finances as required because the money is available,’’ added the Sports Kenya Head of Business Development.
Mbii disclosed that the Sports Kenya Board will approve the re-designing of the pavilion and the retaining wall due to the soggy grounds and allow the contractor complete the facility by October.
“We are aware of the challenges posed by the terrain and the board has taken up the issue. As a matter of urgency, what needs to be approved will be done within this week to enable the contractor to move with the speed that is required,’’ he noted.
The Director Traphes and Nitram Limited, Mark Muendo said construction of the football pitch, track field was almost complete while the perimeter was 50 percent done.
Although Muendo said the progress of the works was impressive, he added that redesigning of the pavilion and the retaining wall had led to some delays but disclosed that the changes had been resolved.
“What has been holding us is the changes of the design for the pavilion and the retaining wall. Our managers had advised us to hold on a bit as they reviewed the designs. We have resolved it and by tomorrow we are now going to start on the pavilion and the retaining wall,’’ said the director.
He said the state-of-the-art stadium which rivals Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums will include an eight lane track complete with tartan, an underground drainage, a VIP pavilion and football pitch planted with the recommended grass to match international standards.
Muendo assured that the facility whose construction stalled in 2017 due to lack of funds will be complete within the timelines.
Speaking during the tour, the County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed reiterated the government’s commitment in completing all the pending projects.
“We shall on a weekly basis monitor the progress of the stadium to ensure that it is done within the stipulated time,’’ said Mohammed.
Construction of the stadium resumed last month and is expected to be complete by October.
Speaking when she toured the site on July 15, the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohammed said the stadium was among nine others that President Uhuru Kenyatta wanted completed by December.
The construction of the facility was launched by Deputy President, William Ruto but stalled due to lack of funds.
By Roselyne Kavoo
