THE new state-of-the-art stadium in Dar es Salaam is expected to be officially launched on February 15, the 'Daily News' has learnt. Impeccable sources say that Chinese President Hu Jintao is expected to grace the opening of the imposing facility during his forthcoming visit to Tanzania. A source told the 'Daily News' that organizers have planned colourful celebrations for the opening ceremony.
“The new facility would undoubtedly be a catalyst for sports renewal in the country, particularly in soccer and athletics. Not only will we have an all-purpose stadium, but there will also be additional economic benefits for the country,” he said, adding: “We are delighted that the Chinese leader will be here to join us in the celebrations,” said the source.
When reached for comments the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports Leonard Thadeo could not confirm or deny the report. He said the Minister responsible for Sports was in better position to confirm the report.
Many sports enthusiasts believe that the completion of the ultra-modern 60,000-capacity sports stadium in the city, part of a new national sports complex, is expected to usher in an exciting and successful new era of sports tourism in Tanzania. The $56 million stadium (about 60bn/-) was funded largely by the government of China.
Beijing Construction and Engineering Group Company Limited are the main contractors of the facility. According to the stadium’s engineering consultant, Aloyce Mushi, the Chinese contractors are expected to finalise the cushioning of the running track on Tuesday. Mushi said the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) envoy John Velzian, who is based in Nairobi, is expected to inspect the tartan that has been laid on the running track.
He will also cross check measurements for final certification. Velzian was in the country recently to inspect the tartan. He endorsed the material and the laying design, saying that the material conforms to IAAF specifications. “Certainly, everything will be fine because we have used ‘Electronic Distance Measure’ (EDM) device to take measurements. IAAF requires exact measurements be observed…if it is 100 metres, let it be that.
No room for approximation,” he said. Mushi further said that various athletics equipments that would be in use at the venue have arrived and would be on display during the official opening ceremony. “Equipments for field events such as javelin, hammer, shot put, high jump and long jump will all be on display,” said Mushi.
IAAF had refused to approve earlier material that was laid at the stadium, saying it was not of the required standard. This compelled the contractors to seek for the new approved material from China. However, the tartan delayed to arrive for almost one year, which led to an unanticipated delay in finishing the stadium.
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