By Kai Mansa-Musa
The Chief of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq has, during his maiden tour of sports infrastructure in the regions re expressed frustration over the current state of the Bo Stadium while on his maiden tour of the sporting facilities in the regions.
Addressing stakeholders on Saturday, July, 20, 2024, at the Bo Stadium, Dr. Abdulai directed his frustration to the poor management of the venue.
“We will privatize it if things continue this way. Repairing this facility will cost Government millions of dollars. This is the only Government-owned facility in the regions that hosts other sporting competitions. The councils need to provide an oversight on its running and management” he added.
“This Stadium, if managed well, will employ many people in the Southern Region,” he said.
“Water facility and security are needed at the Stadium now,” Dr. Abdulai told the stakeholders.
Local Court Chairman John A. Sabondo expressed delight over the assessment of the Bo Stadium for the first time since it was commissioned a decade ago.
“I feel absolutely dissatisfied with the condition of the Stadium. This is our property, and we need to manage it properly. We need to form a management committee for the land that has been grabbed, as well as for the other facilities of the Stadium. We will do everything as chiefdom authorities to protect and maintain the land,” he said.
Madam Alberta Baindu Kowa, Deputy Chairperson of the Bo District Council, said she felt good that the Council is part of the assessment process.
Expressing her dismay, she remarked: “It would not be good for us if this facility is privatized. As a council, we will meet and take positive decisions on this.”
Ibrahim J.B. Kulagbanda, representing the Sierra Leone Police, said the police have been providing security at the Stadium since it was commissioned.