Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Government of the People’s Republic of China has officially handed over key completed facilities under the ongoing rehabilitation of the National Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of Sierra Leone’s premier sporting complex.
The partial handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown and brought together senior government officials, members of Parliament, representatives of the Chinese Embassy, sporting bodies, athletes, and other stakeholders.
Facilities officially handed over include the training pitch, basketball court, volleyball court, swimming pool, hostel, and machine and equipment room. These facilities are now open for use by sporting associations and the public, while work continues on the main stadium bowl and tennis court.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone. He said cooperation between the two countries would continue to boost trade, investment, employment, and accelerate Sierra Leone’s industrialisation.
Ambassador Zhao noted that the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations on 29 July, describing the relationship as one built on mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and enduring friendship. He expressed China’s readiness to elevate the strategic partnership to greater heights for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, described the occasion as a proud moment for the country’s sports sector. He reaffirmed the NSA’s commitment to developing sports nationwide under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the supervision of Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima, and the NSA Board.
Conteh acknowledged the contributions of former NSA Executive Directors Kenneth Brima and Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai for advancing the China-aided rehabilitation project, which commenced on 25 February 2022.
He noted that the Government of Sierra Leone had fulfilled its obligations under the implementation agreement by facilitating visas for the Chinese technical team, granting duty waivers for project materials, providing water and electricity connections through GUMA and EDSA, and coordinating with several ministries to ensure smooth implementation.
Addressing concerns over delays in completing the main stadium bowl, Conteh explained that the original project agreement did not include the installation of FIFA and CAF-compliant plastic seats. He said negotiations to include the seats, procurement processes, and structural modifications to the stadium stands had extended the project’s timeline.
The NSA Executive Director also highlighted the continued occupation of the stadium’s car park and surrounding areas as a major obstacle to securing FIFA and CAF approval to host international matches. He called on all stakeholders to support efforts to reclaim and secure the stadium environment, warning that the current situation poses significant safety and security risks.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima described the partial reopening as a major achievement in restoring one of Sierra Leone’s most treasured national assets.
She expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of China for financing the approximately US$40 million rehabilitation project, describing it as another demonstration of the enduring friendship and strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister acknowledged that the project had experienced delays due to extensive negotiations over the installation of international-standard seating, adverse weather conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She revealed that engineers later discovered the existing stadium slabs could not support the new seating and had to be demolished and reconstructed, further extending the completion schedule.
Despite the challenges, she said the completed project would deliver a modern stadium capable of hosting international football and other sporting events, reducing the need for Sierra Leone to stage home matches abroad while boosting local support and economic opportunities.
James-Teima announced that the newly completed facilities would be managed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to ensure proper maintenance and long-term sustainability.
She described the National Stadium as more than just a sporting venue, saying it is a symbol of national unity, youth development, and opportunity for future generations.
The Minister commended the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President, the Chinese Embassy, Gansu Construction Company, the Chief Minister’s Office, relevant government ministries, the NSA Board and management, and sporting associations for their dedication throughout the rehabilitation process.
Declaring the completed facilities officially reopened, she expressed confidence that the rehabilitated stadium would inspire young athletes, strengthen Sierra Leone-China relations, and contribute significantly to the growth of sports and national development.
The rehabilitation of the main stadium bowl and tennis court continues, with authorities expressing optimism that the entire complex will soon meet FIFA and CAF standards, paving the way for Sierra Leone to once again host international sporting competitions on home soil.
Alusine Bangura
Communications Officer
Ministry of sports
