Addis Ababa stadium, formerly known as Hailselassie stadium, was constructed in 1940, at a period when the city was under the occupation of fascist Italy. Since its completion, the Stadium has hosted numerous matches. As there were no alternative stadiums or sporting venues in the city, the stadium has had to host basically almost all sporting events, and sometimes religious and other events. This got to the point that it was called by many by the moniker ‘And L’natu’ (basically means only child).
However, in recent times we are seeing a changed trend in this regard where due to added attention to the sport sector, the number of stadiums and sporting venues are increasing from time to time.
Facility Director at FDRE Sport Commission, Asmera Gizaw told The Ethiopian Herald that number of football stadiums has been increasing in number during the past ten years. Currently, all regional states including some zones have their own stadiums.
It shows that the country has given due attention to the sport sector which is brewing a good opportunity for sport development in general, and, for football, in particular. However, there has some issues that needs to be ironed out in regards to fulfilling the minimum requirements set by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
As it can be remembered, that CAF delegation were invited to Ethiopia following the country’s selection to host the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) competition. The main purpose of the delegation was to evaluate the standard of Ethiopian Stadiums.
After evaluating the four selected stadiums, namely Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Mekele and Adey Ababa national stadiums, it was decided that they do not fulfill CAF’s minimum requirements. Due to this reason, the country withdrew from hosting the competition, after the decision was passed by the continent’s football governing body.
According to the Director, stadium issues like security, sanitary, flood light, lack of adequate space for four teams in specific place of the stadium and the likes are common features of Ethiopian football stadiums, which are minimum requirements by CAF. But, it does not mean that stadiums are under quality, as they are top level by country’s standard. It is rather about fitting the requirements when it comes to preparing international and African football games at home.
As to Asmera, lack of adequate budget, skilled manpower, delayed bid procurement, foreign currency issues, and the likes are serious challenge which impede the effort to deliver stadiums on specific time.
Particularly, the Adey Ababa National Stadium is seriously challenged by bid procurement process which delayed the first phase of the construction. Nevertheless, after taking some measures in this regard, 99 percent of the first phase has been completed, while the second phase is ready to start. This stadium has 2.47 billion birr budget allocated for the first phase of the construction. Most stadiums construction are budgeted by government; and therefore, are classified in phases.
On the other hand, Bahir Dar stadium is well-structured and has reached stage five. What remains is only sound system, VIP shade, and compound fence in regards to CAF minimum requirements. On the side of Mekele stadium, it is only toilet doors, VIP launch partition, and topography (parking) away from fitting the minimum requirements.
Bahir Dar, Mekele, and Hawassa Stadiums are located at regional States of Amhara, Tigray, and SNNP respectively, while Adey Ababa National Stadium is situated here in the capital city.
Currently, as per the Director, the country has taken various alternative measures to accomplish the minimum requirements in short period of time. Among the measures, improving the bid procurement system is one. It is also preparing law enforcement measures, which will help the country’s sporting venues move closer to fitting the minimum standard.
Asmera concluded his remark by stating stated that the minimum requirements of each stadium will be completed in the coming two years.
The Ethiopian Herald November26, 2019
BY MESERET BEHAILU
