The Zamfara State Government has said the ongoing upgrade of the Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau has reached about 90 per cent completion, with the facility expected to be delivered by February.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Haruna Dikko, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the project site alongside other officials of the ministry.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Dikko expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work being carried out on the project, assuring residents that the stadium would be completed as scheduled.
He said the stadium was in a dilapidated state and largely abandoned when the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office in 2023.
“When we came in, the stadium was dilapidated and not in use. The government decided to rehabilitate and upgrade it so that it can serve the people again,” Dikko said.
Dikko explained that upon completion, the facility would be reopened for Zamfara United Football Club and other sporting activities across the state.
He added that the stadium would also be made available for other events as part of efforts to generate additional revenue for the state government.
“This facility will not only serve Zamfara United FC and sports development, but will also be used for other events to generate revenue for the state,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary commended the project handlers, Monimichelle Sports Company, for delivering quality work and assured them of the state government’s continued support to ensure timely completion.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen. The government will continue to provide all the necessary support to ensure the project is delivered by February,” Dikko added.
Also speaking, the engineer handling the project, Terngo Williams, assured the government and residents that the stadium would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Williams took the Permanent Secretary and other officials on an inspection tour of the renovated facilities, including the 1,000-seat pavilion, dressing rooms for two teams, sanitary facilities, referees’ room, medical room and a designated area for ball boys.
He also showed the officials the main bowl of the stadium, where water drainage pipes were being laid ahead of the installation of the synthetic turf.
According to him, all materials required for the remaining work were already on the ground.
“We are working hard not only to complete the project but according to specification too,” Williams assured.