Government Raises Concerns Over Quality of FIFA-Funded Stadia Projects: FAZ Under Scrutiny

19.02.2024 | Football in my DNA

The Zambian government is seeking explanations from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regarding the quality of work on the US$1.5 million (approximately K37 million) FIFA-funded stadia projects. Sports minister Elvis Nkandu, labeling the quality as subpar, has expressed dissatisfaction with the works on the four provincial facilities. Nkandu has instructed FAZ to clarify its position, questioning how the association could hand over the stadiums in such a poor state. The stadiums in question include Kasama Stadium, David Kaunda Stadium, Mansa Stadium, and the recently renovated Solwezi Stadium.

Nkandu remarked, "If what we are seeing is anything to go by, then it's unfortunate... The works have been shoddy. All of them have had shoddy works. Kasama (wall) collapsed. David Kaunda is getting waterlogged, and now this Independence Stadium. We have written to them to exculpate themselves on why we should not suspend the Memorandum of Understanding."

Over the weekend, FAZ reopened Solwezi's Independence Stadium after nearly two years of renovations costing US$300,000. However, fans were disappointed by the state of the stadium, with worn-out VIP terrace seats, a technical bench area covered with a tent, and terraces showing signs of faded paint.

The FIFA Forward project allocated US$1.5 million to member associations for stadium renovations, and FAZ selected four stadia for improvements: David Kaunda in Chipata, Kasama Sports Stadium in Kasama, Kaole Stadium in Mansa, and Independence Stadium in Solwezi.

Credit: Times of Zambia