Mkapa Stadium: Facelift gathers pace

DAR ES SALAAM: RENOVATION work of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is progressing well, and the venue is on track to have a new look.

The area is busy with facelift works, including painting the entire stadium, replacing the old running track with a new one, installing of new sound system to enable audible announcements and reinstalling the drainage system.

Engineers can be spotted all around the venue, with some working on top of the facility, removing materials they think are no longer needed and replacing them with new ones.

Another notable renovation that is going on is the removal of the old running track around the pitch, ready to put on a brand-new track that will bring a decorative appearance to the areas around the pitch.

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According to the Stadium Manager, Milinde Mahona, the removal of the old running track will give room to the modern one that is of the world athletics standards.

“As you know, this venue for a long time has not undergone renovations, that is why we are replacing everything that is worn out to make this stadium look brand new,” he said.

He continued: “In general, the refurbishment activities are at an advanced level, and those who have been tasked to fulfil them are doing a commendable job worth recognition.”

This is the second phase of the renovation, after last year’s reconstruction, which cost the government 4bn/- and when the facelift is complete will sum up to 31bn/-.

The first phase included the installation of new floodlights, improvement of changing rooms, pitch area, media tribune, VIP area, furniture, and technical area.

Other areas that the government has improved on in the second phase, include replacing outdated speakers with new ones.

“The entire sound system at the venue has been updated; we have installed a high-quality sound system to enhance audible announcements when games and events are held,” he said, adding that the other important area is the drainage systems which have been refurbished.

He said the other phase will see the removal of all seats inside the venue and replace them with new folding seats.

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be among the three venues to be used during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, alongside the one to be built in Arusha and Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

Tanzania will host the finals together with Kenya and Uganda in a campaign commonly known as PAMOJA AFCON.