AFCON 2016 and 2019, government promises to meet deadlines

For AFCON 2016, 2019, Paul Biya, head of state, has prescribed for his government to "make every effort to meet the challenge of their organization, on time," said this Saturday, October 17 by Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon's Minister of Communication.

In a packed press conference, the government spokesman told reporters the progress of work done towards the AFCON 2016 and 2019, which will take place in Cameroon.

For the AFCON 2016 which will take place in Yaoundé (central region) and Limbe (South West), "the government plans to make available in each city, a stadium and five training pitches of CAF standards and appropriate reception facilities," said the Mincom.

The work includes "in depth" renovation of the Yaounde Omnisport Stadium and rehabilitation of three training centers comprised of two Stade Omnisports Annex and Yaounde Military Stadium. Contracts thereto have already been allocated, we learn.

Regarding Limbe, Ngémé Omnisports Stadium which has a capacity of 20,000 seats, was completed and handed over since September 2014, and contracts for the construction of other infrastructure (access roads, bypasses, car parks) have been awarded.

For the AFCON 2019, rehabilitation of Roumdé Adja sports stadium in Garoua in the north of the country, and also the rehabilitation of the Reunification Stadium in Douala (Littoral) and the 15 training stadiums in Douala, Bafoussam (West) and Garoua, with five training parks in the city has been planned.

The list of infrastructure to be built in preparation for the AFCON 2019, include a 60,000 seater stadium in Yaoundé-Olembé, including the laying of the first stone that has been announced for the coming days, with two annexes of land; a stadium of 50,000-Japoma in Douala, with also two annexes of land; and Kouékong stadium in Bafoussam, with a capacity of 20 000 seats, whose work is already 92% done. The handover of these stadiums is planned for early 2016, said the Cameroonian government.