AFCON 2027: VP adds weight on preps

ARUSHA: VICE-PRESIDENT Emmanuel Nchimbi has directed authorities to ensure roads leading to the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha are completed on schedule ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

During an inspection of the stadium in Arusha, Nchimbi instructed the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and the Arusha Regional Administration to implement President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to complete road infrastructure serving the venue in time for the tournament.

The road project includes a 21.2-kilometre tarmac road network linking the Arusha-Babati highway to the city bypass, as well as the construction of a major bridge along Essuri Road.

Nchimbi said the progress made at the stadium was encouraging and reflected the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pledge to deliver the infrastructure needed to host AFCON 2027.

He also commended President Samia for continuing to fund the project and applauded the ministry, the Arusha Regional Administration, contractors and the supervising consultant for the progress achieved.

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Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said construction of the stadium had reached 88 per cent and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Other AFCON venues are also at different stages of development.

Renovation works at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam are ongoing, particularly on the playing surface, while construction of Fumba Stadium in Zanzibar has reached 65 per cent.

The New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar is already complete, and construction of Dodoma Stadium has progressed to 12 per cent.