Thefts to delay Essipong stadium

Essipon, (W/R) June 21, GNA - Mr Hu Qiusheng, Chief Engineer in charge of the Shanghai Construction Company undertaking the construction of the CAN 2008 Sports Stadium at Essipon near Takoradi has complained of thefts at the site.

He said the nefarious activies of the thieves apart from destabilising their schedule of work could also delay the early completion of the stadium.

Mr Qiusheng said this when Mr. Philip K. Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive (SAEMA) paid a working visit to the site in the company of some Assembly Members and staff of the Assembly as well as the Chief Marketing officer of Areeba/MTN.

Mr Qiusheng who spoke through an interpreter said various equipment and machinery and other fixtures meant for the stadium were all imported and that any lose would mean further cost in importing a replacement from China.

He said some unidentified residents in the area have been pilfering items from the site and thus necessitating the request for Police and Military assistance in patrolling the area.

Mr Qiusheng alleged that some of the Policemen dis patched for patrol duties at the stadium abandon their duties and sleep throughout the night while the unidentified persons continue to steal from the site.

He said the stadium, which has a 20,000 seating capacity is 90 percent complete.

The Chief Engineer said a standby generator would be installed with a commercial area, physically challenged seating area, restaurants, guest house, a mini hotel four dressing rooms, press gallery, and tartan tracks are parts of the project to be provided.

Mr Quisheng said so far security cameras; floodlights, the scoreboard and most of the seats have been fixed. Mr Nkrumah pledged to assist the company to find a lasting solution to the perennial stealing from the site.