The Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed significant progress in the ongoing renovation of the Independence Stadium, with the facility expected to host The Gambia’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers once final works are completed.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, disclosed that D376 million has so far been disbursed for the project, adding that the total cost will increase as remaining works are executed.

“As of what has been disbursed so far, is at D376 million. But that is not what the work will take; it will be a little bit more than that because works are ongoing and things that are not yet done will eventually attract additional cost,” the Minister said.

Clarifying issues surrounding delays, Minister Badjie stressed that no contractor was solely responsible, citing procedural and funding-related challenges.

“There was no company responsible for any delay. There was a kit of factors that caused delays. One is procurement processes that sometimes you have to fulfil certain things before you can get a pay approved for you to move on. Funding sometimes is not available because, as journalists, I am sure you did not see anywhere in our National Budget renovation of stadium. It is not there,” he explained.

From a technical standpoint, Stadium Manager Ebou Faye confirmed that the stadium has largely met CAF standards, with the playing surface being the only outstanding component

“One thing to note is that the stadium, everything is approved for this stadium apart from the football field. All the competition area is approved by CAF. We had added other things like the safety and security aspects of it. Those are just additional because they do not stop you from playing football,” Faye stated.

Work on the pitch is currently being handled by Gregori International, a company recommended by CAF inspectors, who have indicated that the playing surface is expected to be usable within the next four months.

During a guided inspection, the media toured the disability stands, VVIP and VIP lounges, medical clinic, modern dressing rooms, match commissioners’ and referees’ rooms, media centre and other upgrades implemented in line with CAF requirements, reinforcing optimism that the stadium will soon return to international action.

By Ebrima KB Sonko