ARUSHA: THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, has expressed satisfaction with the on-going construction of the Samia Suluhu Stadium, underscoring that the project is progressing well and remains on track to meet its deadline.
He noted that the construction has already reached 11per cent completion, demonstrating significant progress.
Msigwa made the remarks when he paid a visit to the construction site of the stadium, which will be one of the venues for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
“I am here to inspect the progress of the project. I am happy to report that the work is progressing well and we are currently over 11 per cent complete,” Msigwa stated.
“Originally, we were aiming for 12 per cent by this time, but considering the significant delays we faced earlier, the progress now is impressive. The gap between our target and actual progress is only 1 per cent and we anticipate that we will be ahead of schedule soon.”
Msigwa stated that the Ministry had given clear directives to the contractor to accelerate the pace of work to ensure the project is completed on time. “The goal is to finish before April 2026. We are determined to ensure that the stadium will be ready for the AFCON games in Arusha.”
During the visit, Msigwa was briefed by experts on the technical details of the stadium’s construction. He was shown the area where heavy-duty concrete and reinforcement bars are being used.
“This is a large-scale project and the foundation will bear a significant load, which is why it is being built with such precision and strength. The foundation work is expected to be completed by March or April, after which the structure will begin to rise,” he explained.
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The PS also praised the contractor and consultants for their dedication. “I commend the contractor for working diligently, even at night. The contractor has followed our instructions to work day and night to ensure we meet our deadlines. We are committed to completing the project on time,” he added.
Msigwa also acknowledged the financial support provided by the government, which has been crucial in ensuring the smooth progress of the construction. “We are grateful to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support in funding these projects. The Ministry of Finance has also played a critical role in ensuring the funds are disbursed on time.”
He highlighted that the construction project is also benefiting the local community, particularly the youth.
“Today, over 650 young people are employed here and as work progresses, we expect this number to grow to over 1,000. These are short-term contract jobs, but they are providing much-needed employment opportunities for the youth in Arusha,” Msigwa said.
Finally, the PS urged the workers to maintain professionalism and integrity on the site. “I encourage all workers to continue performing their duties with dedication and honesty. It’s important that we work together to ensure the success of this project.”
