The project work which is split into four lots (1 to 4) has been contracted to two companies - Gigo Construction and Integral Group, a joint Turkish and Gambian company.
The project, which will last for a period of six months entails a complete overhauling and installing of new electric and electronic system, a modern mixture of grass football pitch, modern international changing rooms, scoreboard, media and medical rooms, FIFA and CAF standard individual pavilion seating, among other state-of-the-art modern facilities.
“The government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports have been working tirelessly to ensure that we get what is needed (the funds and the right people and companies) to do the job,” said Bakary Y. Badjie, the minister of Youth and Sports before conducting a tour with journalists around the stadium’s ongoing work on Wednesday.
Projects by nature require a lot of planning and consultation, he said, adding that this was why it took a lot of time before its commencement.
“The Stadium project will completely change and transform this complex in a manner never seen before and that is why we call it a remodeling project,” he stated.
Part of the work being done at the Independence Stadium, he revealed, includes the total re-modeling of the football pitch to a modern type of grass, watering system, individual seats across the stadium, VVIP area, electric and electronic system, changing rooms, media room and medical room among other state-of-the-art facilities.
“We will also change the pavilions to names that are attached to our football,” he also said.
“When people were questioning or thinking that the government is not committed to fixing the stadium, we told them that it was more about ensuring we do the right thing and ensure that all the procedures, administrative and financial regulations are followed. When things do not happen correctly, it will be our fault. It is the government that is going to be blamed for not doing the right thing,” he said.
