As mixed reactions continue to greet inability of the newly refurbished Lekan Salami Stadium to withstand the rain that fell during its opening on Wednesday, the Seyi Makinde government has given reasons for it.
The pitch was refurbished to taste and to the delight of many but controversy erupted after the rain disrupted the ceremonial match played there, leaving the pitch waterlogged.
The project was said to have cost N5,5bn.
But explaining the situation, the government on Thursday said it was still a work in progress.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to Makinde, the contractor handling it had indicated so and the job would eventually be completed.
He said, The pitch, as seen on Wednesday, is work in progress, because the contractor has not handed over the project to the state government. The contractor had explained that the pitch needed three more months to fully solidify so that the automatic drainage system would become fully functional.
“But the unveiling had to be done to ensure that our darling Shooting Stars Sports Club returned to Ibadan, having been forced to play their matches outside the state for so long due to absence of a good pitch in Ibadan.
“The contractor has given his assurance to address the challenges of the pitch and by the time the works are completed, Oyo State will definitely have the value for its money, which has always been the priority and intention of Governor Makinde.”
