Work is progressing steadily on the construction of the new Cape Coast stadium at Abura, a suburb of Cape Coast.
The 15000-capacity stadium is being funded with a Chinese government grant of US$30 million and is expected to be completed within two years. Work on the project started in August 20, 2013.
When completed, the stadium will have eight runway tracks, a natural grass football field, three parking lot, two outdoor basketball courts, one outdoor handball court, a boxing training court, a press conference hall and a media room.
Other facilities include a medical room, an audience emergency room, two referee rooms, three management rooms, three facility storages, two security rooms, two VIP lobby halls, four athletic lounges, 22 guest rooms with LED electronic display, audio amplification system and a number of track and field sports devices.
Briefing the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, during an inspection of the project, the Project Manager, Mr. Tang Wei Yi, said 402 piles with an average depth of 30 metres had been completed and that the drilling works were on 24-hour basis in order to save time.
Mr. Yi said work on the west and east stands foundation beam and cushion caps had been completed while excavation of the east and north foundations was also completed.
He further indicated that 500 cubic metre concrete hydrant water reservoir and the west permanent fence structures had also been completed. In total, he said, 25 per cent of work had been completed and that work was within schedule.
According to the Project Manager, some of the challenges facing the company were tax and duty exemption for local materials and imported materials had not been approved while part of the house in the north-east within the site boundary was yet to be demolished.
He said the company had to rely on labour outside the catchment area of the project because the indigenes had not shown keen interest in the employment opportunity the project sought to offer them.
Mr. Sarpong, who was accompanied by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ms. Priscilla Arhin commended the Chinese company for the job done so far.
Source: Daily GraphicÂ