By Lamarana S. Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie has informed the National Assembly that while the plan for construction of a new stadium is in place with the design of a 30,000-seater capacity and a land acquired, the funding for this huge project is estimated to cost $150,000,000, an amount that government cannot fund with local funds. He informed the committee that the executive is engaging bilateral partners on it as it is a priority for the President and his government. Minister Badjie made these remarks in response to questions from parliamentarians regarding the ministry’s efforts to build a new stadium for international sporting events.
The Minister, accompanied by his technical team, appeared before the National Assembly’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, chaired by Honorable Saikou Bah. The session was held at the National Assembly in Banjul to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects, including the remodeling and renovation of the Independence Stadium.
The Minister detailed the progress in the stadium renovation, explaining that the second phase involves multiple upgrades, including expanding the players’ tunnel, upgrading the media tribune and construction of media center, raising the perimeter fence, landscaping, adding parking signage, installing a pumping machine, a design of the VVIP into two and installation of a new scoreboard. These renovations, he explained, are part of the additional work scope identified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspectors.
Minister Badjie noted that one of the key reasons for delays in the stadium’s renovation was none budgetary allocation and, eventually, late payments to contractors. Despite this, the contractors have demonstrated their commitment to complete the second phase of the project within the stipulated timeframe under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, with support from the technical committee overseeing the renovation, that includes GFF, Gamworks, Independence Stadium management, the National Sports Council, and chaired by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Answering to questions of why the money being used for renovation wasn’t used to construct a new stadium, the Minister highlighted that the cost of renovating is very insignificant compared to the cost of even a small stadium amount. He also answered that the remodeling of the stadium is entirely funded by the Government of The Gambia, using local funds, and not a loan.
Minister Badjie expressed confidence that upon completion of the second phase, the Independence Stadium will meet CAF standards, allowing The Gambia to host international matches again.
Regarding the delayed construction of the Kafuta football field, Minister Badjie mentioned that the contract with the initial contractor was terminated, and a new contractor was appointed who had just completed the work, ready to be handed over to the community, but mentioned that the facility is already being used.
As the ministry navigates funding challenges, Minister Badjie emphasized the importance of proper budgetary allocation to the ministry to enable it carry out its plan of developing the needed infrastructure, and collaboration among stakeholders to improve sports infrastructure and develop a sustainable plan for the future.
