Govt should consider PPP for new stadium
HERE we go again.
After spending years and at least E30 million refurbishing the country’s national stadium – Somhlolo; the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dropped a bombshell by rejecting the refurbished venue.
This follows an inspection conducted by the continental football body on the stadium during the first week of this month. The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, as stadium owners, had to be the bearers of this bad news.
This leaves the country with no local venue to host international competitive matches for not only the nation’s flagship football side, Sihlangu, but also the teams competing in the CAF inter-club tournaments.
Inspections
Government may have already addressed most of the issues that CAF had flagged during earlier inspections of the stadium, but it does not help anyone in the current situation. Yes, there have been improvements that include the installation of a new FIFA-standard artificial turf; rehabilitation of dressing, media and medical rooms; revamping of VIP suites; installation of new floodlights; construction of a new media tribune and revamping of the Public Address (PA) system, among other things, but these strides have been watered down by the CAF verdict.
The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, in a statement about the ban, had stated that most of the areas of concern that the latest CAF inspection report highlighted were new and as such, would require more funds and time in order to be properly addressed.
“For example, the report highlights a need to ‘explore the possibility of renovating completely the players’ tunnel’. Such work may require the complete demolition of huge parts of the entire main stand. The report also calls for the installation of a giant screen and ‘modern electronic access controls and automated counting systems’. This may not be immediately feasible,” the minister rightfully acknowledged.
You are spot-on Mr Minister. The tunnels may have been relevant back then, but it looks like in CAF’s books they are now outdated.
While the ministry awaits the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to appeal the decision, government cannot rest on its laurels.
As per the minister’s statement, the demands articulated by CAF in the latest report will require extensive work, in turn requiring millions of Emalangeni more. “Realistically, it may take years for all these demands to be met, thus condemning our national teams and clubs to hosting away from home for the foreseeable future. It is not an exaggeration to suspect that this decision may ultimately compel our clubs and national teams to stay away from international competitions, due to the exorbitant costs it will come with. This is against the spirit of inclusion that sports should be based on,” said the minister. Again, well said Mr Minister.
The CAF decision and needed demands intensify the calls for a new stadium. No matter how much we love the current stadium, it seems upgrading it to international standards is a distant dream.
Perhaps, it is high time government explores other options to ensure the much needed stadium is delivered to the nation. With uncertainty still surrounding the proposed E2 billion stadium in Manzini, the public-private partnership (PPP) option can be considered.
For starters, a PPP is a contract between a public body and a private organisation. PPPs bring together the expertise and resources of the two sectors, with the intention of providing services or infrastructure at a better value for money.
Usually, the public sector engages the private sector to construct facilities or to supply equipment. The private agencies then own and operate the facilities or equipment, or engage separate bodies to deliver the public service.
In short, when governments are cash poor, PPPs can offer access to private capital.
At this rate, the cost of renovating Somhlolo National Stadium will match that of a new stadium in a couple of years.
It is good to note that the minister has also acknowledged that a new, modern multi-purpose stadium is in government’s plans, but a goal without a time frame becomes a wish.