Firm to give soccer stadium a free facelift

Company steps in to renovate pitch in time for new season matches

China Sichuan International Cooperation Co has volunteered to renovate Namfua soccer stadium in Singida, Tanzania, in preparation for Tanzania's Premier League matches, which will kick off on Aug 26.

The Chinese company, known as SIETCO, will provide electrical equipment and construction services and supervise the renovation process.

Tan Jian, SIETCO's site agent in Singida, says the stadium's soccer pitch will undergo major renovations, including the laying of natural grass. The renovation work will cost more than $4,000.

The construction site of Namfua soccer stadium in Singida, Tanzania. Photos Provided to China Daily

Tan says the company agreed to give a helping hand after the stadium's owners, the country's ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi, asked him for assistance.

"This is part of SIETCO's contribution to the region's development, as we are part and parcel of the region. We have offered the services for free," says Tan

Jimson Mhagama, the CCM's regional secretary for the Singida region, hails the generous aid, saying it was timely, since there was little time left to renovate the stadium ahead of the matches.

He says SIETCO had shown a good example as a partner in the region by demonstrating support for the renovation work at the stadium.

"Everything was in place for the renovation work to start," and fans, players and officials can expect a much improved pitch, says Mhagama.

China has been one of the countries on the front line to support Tanzania in implementing its development strategy, which focuses on promoting industries, culture and development through investments in industries that have created trade and jobs opportunities.

Investment statistics show that the Tanzania Investment Center registered 35 Chinese investment projects worth $2.1 billion from January to May. The projects are expected to generate 1,733 jobs.

From 1990 to May this year, a total of 670 projects were registered at the TIC worth $5.8 billion created 83,394 jobs. Some of the sectors involved are industry, construction, agriculture and natural resource services.

Meanwhile various reports have shown that Tanzania has led other countries in East Africa in attracting foreign direct investment this year.

For example, the World Investment Report 2017, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, shows that Tanzania attracted investment worth $1.4 billion in 2016, followed by Uganda with $541 million and Kenya, $394 million.

Tanzania and China signed an agreement to implement the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Johannesburg Action Plan 2016-2018, aiming to promote business, investment and economic relations.

For China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 08/18/2017 page27)