Arusha Stadium hits 42pc completion

ARUSHA: THE construction of the new football stadium in Arusha is currently 42 per cent complete, with the stadium stands progressing at over 56 per cent, according to government.

These figures were announced during a special monthly site meeting held at the stadium grounds, where stakeholders praised the speed and quality of the ongoing work.

During the visit, the Acting Director of Sports from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Boniface Tamba, commended the project’s progress.

“This month’s technical meeting was significant because the contractor is doing an excellent job at the right pace. As the supervising ministry, we invited key stakeholders, including the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the National Sports Council and other sector experts to receive the final presentation,” he stated.

Tamba noted that the western stand is nearing completion, while the eastern stand has already exceeded 56 per cent progress. The pace of construction has been described as impressive, with growing confidence that Tanzania will meet its AFCON 2027 hosting obligations alongside cohosts Kenya and Uganda.

“We are pleased with the contractor’s performance and the overall progress. This project is a national priority and we want to ensure it is completed on time and meets the standards,” the director added.

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He also confirmed that stadium design documents have been submitted to all relevant bodies, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF), for technical review and compliance.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president, Wallace Karia, praised the progress of the new stadium project in Arusha, describing it as a landmark step in Tanzania’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking during a stakeholders’ tour of the construction site, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to football stakeholders to inspect the facility and provide technical input before its completion.

“This is a major milestone. Unlike previous projects, such as the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where stakeholders were not involved during the early stages, this time we have had the chance to share our insights based on actual user experience. That level of involvement is crucial in ensuring the stadium meets practical sporting demands,” he noted. Karia further praised the pace of construction, calling it “impressively fast.”

“The last time I visited, we were still at the foundation stage. Now the stadium is almost complete. This gives us confidence not only as a nation but also as a region that we are on track to host a successful AFCON alongside our partners Kenya and Uganda.”

The TFF president also called on Tanzanians to take pride in and protect the sports infrastructure being built, reminding citizens that such investments are meant to benefit both current and future generations.