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| November 20, 2005 | Sunday | Shawwal 17, 1426 |
Slow-pace of work could pose problems for SAFF soccer venue
KARACHI, Nov 19: With barely 18 days left in South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship, renovation work at People’s Sports Complex continues at slow pace.
A visit to the venue on Saturday revealed a pathetic picture as VIP areas were being focussed, while facilities for public were in a shambles.
The entrances for the public are being neglected as dark and dingy rooms meant to be toilets for the public were full of filth having no signs of sanitary fittings yet.
Likewise, stairs leading to the general stands were full of heaps of dirt and filth, while there was no provision for refreshment for the fans who would be watching the eight-nation competition from Dec 7 to 17.
Although things were better at the main entrance of the stadium, the pace and quality of work done so far was far from satisfactory.
The changing rooms did not have treatment bed as required according to international standards, while they are side-by-side instead of being built opposite to each other for privacy between the two teams.
So far there is no proper place designated for post-match press conferences, while media centres for electronic and print media are yet to be built. It is yet to be known what facilities media will be provided to cover the event. Generally, venues must be equipped with media centres having computers with Internet, fax machines and telephone lines.
There should be nine points for television cameras, but there were just five at the venue, while ramshackle electronic scoreboard, the trademark of the stadium, was missing.
There was no existence of referee room, while means of communication between referees and referee inspector are also needed.
Although pitch has been improved, but was not of international standards and might pose problems if it is not levelled properly and small potholes are not filled before the event. Things could become embarrassing for the organizers since they have prepared 120x75 yards pitch, while it should have been 120x80 yards, according to international standards.
Renovation at City District Government Karachi (CDGK) Stadium, which serves as practice venue for teams, has also come to a halt as contractor says he is waiting for more cash from EDO Works.
“Five air-conditioners which should have been installed at the stadium by now are lying without use as contractor says he must receive money first from EDO Works,” said CDGK sports officer Ahmad Jan.
“Five toilets are to be renovated, four water pumps and three panel boxes for floodlights are to be installed. But all this work has been stopped because of no cash flow from EDO Works,” claimed Ahmad.
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