UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | Construction work on the Masaka Recreation Centre has officially commenced, three months after the site was handed over to the contractor.
The project, part of an effort to upgrade the existing stadium, is expected to be completed in 18 months.
The Masaka Recreation Centre Construction is being supervised by Mr John Lule, who explained that the project faced initial delays due to multiple land surveys and issues of land encroachment.
According to Mr. Lule, these delays required several adjustments to the project designs.
“We informed the city leaders about part of the stadium land that had been encroached upon, but we have enough space to execute the first phase of the project,” Mr Lule said during an interview on Saturday 24th August, 2024.
The first phase of the Masaka Recreation Centre Construction focuses on constructing the eastern and western pavilions, which will include steel and concrete structures, respectively.
Additionally, an artificial turf will be installed as part of this phase. The project, valued at USh19 billion, is being carried out by Kaleta Constructions Limited.
Dr. Abed Bwanika, the chairperson of the Masaka City Council Roads Committee, noted that the commencement of construction provides an opportunity to seek additional funding for the project.
“The entire Parliament will be in this city early next month [September], and they would like to tour the stadium to see the progress of the construction works. This will be an opportunity to ask for more funds to run the project,” Dr. Bwanika stated.
The second phase of the Masaka Recreation Centre Construction will involve the development of an athletics pitch, additional stands, a swimming pool, and a gym, among other facilities.
Upon completion, the upgraded stadium will have a seating capacity of 15,000 people and will feature various indoor sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts.
Additional amenities planned for the Masaka Recreation Centre include conference rooms, offices, restaurants, guest houses, security rooms, and parking lots for VIPs and ambulances.
There will also be commercial shops to generate revenue for the maintenance of the facility.
The current stadium, opened in 1954 by Sir Andrew Cohen, the former British Governor, has not undergone any major renovations in the last 68 years.
The facility, known as Masaka Recreation Ground, lacks adequate spectator seating, grandstands, and proper lavatory facilities.
The stadium was also damaged during the 1979 Tanzanian invasion, which contributed to its current state of disrepair.
The Masaka Recreation Centre Construction is expected to transform the outdated facility into a modern stadium, capable of hosting a variety of sports and events for the local community.
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