The Sh350 million ground is taking shape after hiccups, with the contractor promising to deliver it by end of this year
Sports Kenya is happy with construction progress of Wote Stadium that was pledged by the government during the 2017 General Election.
Sports Kenya head of Business Development Julius Mbii said works at the stadium are at 40 per cent and expressed optimism the facility will be completed 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,” Mbii said during an inspection tour of the facility on Monday.
The State corporation, he said, will fully support the contractor, Traphes and Nitram Limited, to ensure the sports infrastructure is complete without further delay.
“We will ensure there is enough facilitation so it’s upon the contractor to expedite the work and request for finances as required because the money is available,” he said.
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 move with speed,” he added.
At 40 per cent completion, Wote stadium, among nine others President Uhuru Kenyatta wants completed by December, is right on schedule.
Traphes and Nitram director Mark Muendo said construction of the football pitch and track field was almost complete while the perimeter wall is 50 per cent done.
“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 are going to start on the changes tomorrow,” he said.
The 20,000-capacity state-of-the-art arena, designed to rival Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, will include an eight-lane track complete with tartan, an underground drainage, a VIP pavilion and with the 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.
Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed reiterated the government’s commitment to complete all pending projects.
“We shall monitor progress of the stadium on a weekly basis to ensure it is completed within deadline,” he said.
Speaking when she toured the site on July 15, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed said the stadium is among nine others that President Uhuru Kenyatta wants completed by December.
She added that a budget of Sh350 million has been allocated for the completion of the would-be ultra-modern sports facility.
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