FREETOWN – The Government of Sierra Leone has announced a new agreement with the People’s Republic of China to install seating at the Siaka Stevens National Stadium, part of an ongoing rehabilitation project aimed at modernizing the facility.
Sports Minister Augusta James Tiema confirmed that the installation of seats, initially not part of the original plan, was delayed to ensure that the stadium adheres to international standards.
The upgrade is expected to be completed within a year, with Minister Tiema crediting President Julius Maada Bio for his role in facilitating this development.
The Siaka Stevens Stadium, named after Sierra Leone’s former President Siaka Stevens, is the country’s largest sporting arena and a central hub for national and international sporting events. Built in 1979 with funding from the Chinese government, the stadium has long been a symbol of Sierra Leone-China cooperation. However, in recent years, the facility had fallen into disrepair, prompting calls for urgent upgrades.
The Minister also emphasized the government’s broader strategy to enhance sports infrastructure across Sierra Leone, noting that football and other sports will no longer be played on bare grounds. Already, four artificial turfs have been installed in Freetown, Bo, and Port Loko, with plans to expand similar projects to other districts.
Gansu Construction Investment (Holding) Group Co. Ltd (GCIGC), the Chinese company overseeing the rehabilitation, previously announced that the full renovation, including a practice field and swimming pool, will be completed by May 2024.
According to GCIGC coordinator Wan Bao Xin, the refurbished stadium will meet international standards with modern dressing rooms, media centers, electronic scoreboards, and dedicated seating for disabled spectators.
The stadium hostel will also feature 96 rooms, while new handball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts will be built.
Once completed, the Siaka Stevens Stadium will meet the standards of FIFA and CAF, further enhancing Sierra Leone’s potential to host international events and promoting the development of sports in the country.
