E1m for Somhlolo power generator
MBABANE – The Somhlolo National Stadium is inching closer to meeting CAF benchmarks, as the facelift project is progressing steadily. The stadium is currently wrapping up its Phase III of the project rehabilitation works, which have taken a bit longer than expected, as they were supposed to be completed by the end of last month. At the beginning of last month, Phase III was at 95 per cent completion.
However, under it, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs has installed a new perimeter fence with automated entry points, extended and renovated the VIP section and tunnels as well as installed a new clear view fence on the ‘No Man’s’ land stand.
The soccer Mecca has a new upgraded, interactive Public Address (PA) system, a new main stand roof, and new surveillance, water and power systems.
COMPLIANCE
According to reports, the stadium is nearing its final stages of the renovation projects, which will qualify it for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) compliance test.
An impeccable source close to the matter said the stadium needs about E25 million for the final phase, which will include the installation of a generator to power the stadium and the installation of LED screens.
The Ministry of Sport’s Communications Officer Sibongiseni Zondi said he was unaware of the source’s report. “As of this moment, the final list of works to be done under Phase IV is yet to be finalised, pending engagements with all relevant stakeholders,” Zondi said.
BUDGET
He said after the budget for the Somhlolo upgrade was allocated, quotations and contractors’ bidding would be done, among other things.
“We are looking at covering in the next phase the installation of a standby generator and the construction of new public toilets,” the communications officer said.
According to the 2022 CAF Stadium Regulations, Article 13 stipulates that the generator and the sanitary facilities must be distributed throughout the stadium. The generator, in the global trend, has become a primary source of power for stadiums and must be capable of offering uninterrupted power supply (UPS).
The modernisation of the national stadium has cost above E100 million, and the lack of such a facility has been a thorny issue for most football spectators.