The eight-month R8,7m project for the upgrade of Lesley Manyathela Stadium at Musina has kicked off last month.

Municipal spokesperson, Wilson Dzebu says the project is expected to be completed at the end of May next year, although it will be handed over in phases to allow community members to use completed areas.

He says the scope of work include the alteration to the existing pavilion, construction of west, south, north and east pavilions, ablution facilities, perimeter fencing, electrical upgrading and bulk supply. “There will also be new steel pavilions for the netball and volleyball courts and paving for the parking area. A 2,4m wall will be erected around the volleyball and tennis courts. A retainer wall will be constructed and 12 floodlights will be installed.”

Dzebu added that the upgrading of the pitch is also in progress. “The contractors are busy digging up trenches for irrigation and drainage. Thereafter, they will grade and compress the pitch, before planting the lawn.”

He says the project has already started to make an impact on the local economic development for the people of Musina. “After only one month of its operation, the project has already created 15 jobs for the local people who were formerly unemployed. The number is expected to increase depending on the labour needs until the completion of the project.”

The engineer of the project is Ndivho Consulting Engineers and Kgokolo Mmakole Trading and Projects is the contractor.