The Government says it is satisfied with the progress of renovation and rehabilitation works at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka ahead of the presidential inauguration.
Youth, Sport and Arts principal public relations officer Bobby Ng’andu said the Government was confident that the stadium would be ready to host the event with final touches expected to be completed by Friday.
Mr Ng’andu was speaking yesterday after an inspection led by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration Oliver Kalabo and Permanent Secretaries to assess progress of works at the facility.
“So far the works are still ongoing. We are happy with what we have seen and by Friday we should know that this facility is ready,” he said.
He said the Government was also taking measures to protect the stadium’s turf during the inauguration, including procuring a turf protector from South Africa.
Mr Ng’andu said the turf protector would be in place by Friday to ensure the playing surface was adequately protected during the event.
During the inspection, Dr Kalabo led a delegation comprising Permanent Secretaries and other senior Government officials on a tour of various sections of the stadium including VIP facilities, washrooms, the Presidential holding room and areas designated for the main stage.
The inspection was aimed at assessing progress on the works and ensuring that preparations remained on course for the facility to meet the required standards.
The rehabilitation was being undertaken through a multi-sectoral Government approach involving the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Zambia National Service and Zambia Air Force.
Works included improvements to VIP facilities, carpeting, tiling, plumbing, painting, electrical works and rehabilitation of ablution facilities, as well as repairs to damaged sections of the stadium.
Meanwhile, damaged sections of the stadium roof had been attended to as the Government worked towards finding a permanent solution for complete roof replacement.
The Government had also intensified preparations at the facility as it worked to ensure that all infrastructure and logistical requirements were in place ahead of the inauguration.
