It is with great sadness to note that the newly constructed and refurbished stadiums in this country are far way behind schedule and it looks they will only be completed after the World Cup.
Initially, all stadiums were supposed to be complete early this year but it was then shifted to around April.
The newly constructed stadiums are the ones in Lobatse and Francistown while the National Stadium is the one that is under refurbishment.
Last October, the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Shaw Khathi, personally undertook tours around the country inspecting the stadiums and was given assurances that everything was well on track.
Today, Kgathi must be a disappointed man because the country is set to lose a lot of the expected benefits from the 2010 World Cup to be staged in neighbouring South Africa in less than three months from now.
Just like several major government projects, it looks as if the stadiums are not an exception in trailing behind schedule.
As is always the case, lame excuses are being given for the delays. Some companies involved go to the extent of saying they have to import labour from outside the country because Botswana does not have enough suitable labour.
The question is, didn’t those companies know all along that they had to import labour, or they are dilly dallying with the government? All the delays mean that Botswana is undoubtedly going to lose big time for the World Cup that is coming to our neighbor.
As things stand, the National Stadium might be finished around June or July. A recent visit by Sunday Standard to the National Stadium gave an impression that it is far way behind schedule.
At first it was supposed to be finished in January this year but ended up being extended to April. April is just around the corner and a lot still needs to be done.
What is shocking is that the renovations are not done in a way many Batswana are thinking. Only the VIP area and offices are the ones that are given a new look.
It was said that the sitting capacity would be increased from 25 000 to 30 000, but no stands adjustments are being made. Only seats are being put in some stands that did not have seats before. Even the lawn is yet to be laid. Why Francistown stadium is behind is also a mystery.
It got off to a quick start and the northern region thought that by this time they would be using it but it is not the case.
As things stand, it looks like the Francistown stadium might be finished towards the end of the year.
What is mainly disturbing is
construction of such stadium costs hundreds of millions and the nation should get worried. The initial cost estimates of Francistown stadium was P175 million and there is a possibility that it might have swelled.
Lobatse stadium appears on schedule and might be finished earlier than others. Its initial costs estimate was P135 million. It is almost complete and only the laying of turf and finer final touches are left.
The question here is who is actually to blame because there will never be another opportunity of seeing the World Cup just across our border.
With peace and tranquility prevailing in Botswana than in most countries there was a possibility that renowned footballers were going to touch down in Gaborone and possibly play some practice matches with the Zebras. Imagine if the likes of Brazil, England or United States of America pass through Botswana just for practice matches!
The coverage from the media of concerned countries would be really amazing. Obviously there won’t be plans if stadiums are not ready.
If such countries came, they might even be interested in local talent.
Last year when New Zealand came here, they were much impressed with Phenyo Mongala and wanted to sign him outright.
Unfortunately, he was already on his way to Orlando Pirates. Since the new administration of President Ian Khama Seretse Khama, they promised to take drastic measures against those who deliberately delay the projects or who do shady works. But to this day we are still to hear of such steps having been taken.
It is just words with no action to back it up. word of mouth but no concrete steps are never taken while the country is losing unbelievable sums of money.
