Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium renovation will be completed on time

8 May 2017

Putting to rest the uncertainty over completing the preparatory work at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Sports Minister A C Moideen on Sunday said the renovation of the stadium would be completed on time as directed by the FIFA.

“The preparatory work at the stadium is in full swing. The planting of grass in the ground has been completed and the work on the drainage system will be over before May 15. The construction of 152 toilets and 34 rooms is also progressing, and there is no need to worry on these matters,” the minister told reporters, after a review meeting at the stadium on Sunday.

He said the FIFA authorities had asked us to make some additional changes to the rooms to be used by the players. “Though we were asked to make the changes in the last minute, we have almost completed them. The sewage and electrical work will also be over before the deadline,” he said.

The minister, however, denied the allegation that the delay in installing the fire fighting equipment inside the stadium had dragged the renovation project till the deadline.

“Since the installation of fire fighting equipment is linked with the electrical and air condition work, it got delayed a bit. And, there is no huge delay as alleged,” he said. “Around 6,500 seats have already been installed in the stadium, and the remaining work will be completed within four days. A meeting is being conducted daily to review the progress of the work,” the minister said.

Practice grounds
Moideen said the work at the practice grounds, including Maharaja’s College, Fort Kochi Parade ground and Panampilly Nagar, is in the final stage. Only the fled lights need to be installed at the Maharaja’s College ground. “All work, except fencing, has been completed at the Panampilly Nagar ground. As there is some restrictions from the Archaeological Department to initiate construction activities at Fort Kochi, no further work could be taken up there. Only toilets can be constructed in the area,” the minister said.

Beautification
“We have received instructions to beautify the city as part of the World Cup. The District Collector has been directed to prepare a report in this regard. A meeting will be conducted with Kochi Corporation as we need their help for transportation of garbage. We are also taking efforts to bring more matches to the city,” the minister said.

 

Source:newindianexpress.com