David GOMBE
The State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has confirmed that the contractors (SUMMA) of Hoima City Stadium will return to the site following concerns from the CAF inspection team report last month.
According to the report, Hoima City Stadium required an operational redesign. Despite having a completed structure and operational, several major operational deficiencies were identified.
“We invited CAF to assess our stadiums at Namboole and Hoima City, and we therefore acknowledge the concerns raised in the report. So far, the Hoima contractor has agreed to return to site.” Said Ogwang
Ogwang also revealed that the government will not pay extra money for the additional works.
“What people must appreciate is that the contract was watertight, and in all this, the Government of Uganda will not pay extra money for the additional works at Hoima Stadium required to comply with the CAF report.” He stated
He also confirmed that FUFA was part of the construction of the Stadium, working hand in hand with National Council of Sports
“It is not true that FUFA has not been part of the construction of Hoima City Stadium, and I am reliably informed that the National Council of Sports has been facilitating FUFA to go and supervise this facility.” Said Ogwang
CAF revealed the key issues that need to be addressed at Hoima City Stadium before the next inspection due in August this year.
The key issues identified are;
*Absence of clear segregation between spectator categories;
*Cross-circulation between media, VIP, teams and general spectators;
Non-compliant referee dressing rooms;
*Non-compliance of players’ dressing rooms;
*Media facilities below AFCON standards;
*Mixed zone incorrectly located within the competition area;
*Limited operational buffer space due to the stadium’s geographical location.
*Current position of the benches causing a major view obstruction from the stands.
