By Kemo Kanyi
Bakary Y. Badjie, the Minister of Youths and Sports, has confirmed that the renovation of the country’s Independence Stadium has cost the government D376 million since January 2023.
The stadium, the only one in The Gambia, underwent adjustments following recommendations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to meet standards for hosting international matches. The government initiated the renovation through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“The total cost of the renovation expended by the government is D376 million within two and a half years,” Minister Badjie told journalists during a press briefing held at the Independence Stadium on Tuesday.
The minister said that if the works continued as planned, the Gambia national football team would host their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at home. The stadium’s pitch is expected to be fully renovated within three months.
Responding to queries from the National Audit Office (NAO), Minister Badjie explained that D10 million cited in the audit report was approved in 2020, before the current renovation period. He said this was communicated to the NAO, which nonetheless included the amount in its report. The minister emphasized that all procurement processes followed the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) regulations.
Ebou Faye, General Manager of the Independence Stadium, confirms that all competition areas approved by CAF are complete, except for the pitch, which is undergoing hybrid grass installation.
A media team touring the stadium observed upgraded facilities, including disability stands, VVIP and VIP lounges, a medical clinic, modern dressing rooms, rooms for match commissioners and referees, and the media centre, as required by CAF standards.
