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PRC
Engineers Take Over SKD
September 27, 2005
Monrovia
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China (PRC) accredited
here, His Excellency Lin Songtian, has promised Liberians a "modernly
equipped landmark of the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex with a brand new
face, following completion of renovation works.
Ambassador Songtian was speaking yesterday on the premises of the
war-ravaged complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia during a brief
ceremony to formally turn over the SKD to Chinese engineers, Hunan
Construction Engineering Group Corporation, to commence renovation
works.
Taking part in the official turning over ceremony was the Chairman of
the NTGL, Charles Gyude Bryant, Vice Chairman Wesley Momo Johnson,
Sports Minister Wheatonia Dixon-Barnes, Chief Justice Henry Reed
Cooper, Senior Officers of UNMIL, the, NTLA and some Cabinet Ministers
of the NTGL.
The Chinese Envoy recalled the diplomatic relations between the two
countries, dating back to 1977, and recounted assistance projects
(over 20) undertaken by the PRC, out of which he said, the SKD Stadium
is considered a landmark of Sino-Liberian friendship.
Ambassador Lin said he believes "the Liberians have learnt more than
enough through the destructive civil conflicts and understood how it
is to have a people-oriented, responsible and accountable leadership
to maintain peace and promote economic development."
In his remarks, Chairman Bryant described the ceremony as a historic
milestone in Liberia's relations with PRC, recalling efforts being
made to cement this relationship and strengthen the ties between the
two governments.
He recognized the important role sports can play as peace maker and a
reconciler. He recalled the historic 1979 six-nation football
tournament that brought together countries of the sub-region, among
them Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal, hosted by late President
William R. Tolbert.
The renovation, he said, will cost approximately US$7.6 million and
will be completed in 20 months.
He said the contractors would install some of the most modern
technologies involved in world soccer, including an automatic fire
alarm and fire fighting coordinated control system; a security
monitoring system and a television system such as is seen at bigger
and more modern European stadiums.
The NTGL leader described sports as "indispensable instrument of peace
and reconciliation," and declared that the SKD would serve that
purpose.
He called on youth sports fans to get prepared for the opportunities
the facilities will provide when renovated.
Chairman Bryant challenged sports enthusiasts to be disciplined and
responsible winners and losers. "When we lose it doesn't mean that we
have no values. It means the opposing team is better," he explained,
and admonished all who possess great passion for football to treat the
soon-to-be completed facilities as 'chicken egg.'
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Wheatonia Dixon-Barne,s
expressed gratitude to the PRC for not only working in the interest of
the country, "but in the well-being and prosperity of our young
people."
The Minister appealed to the Ambassador to consider other phases of
the renovation, which, she said, need to be constructed at the
complex. They include the hostel (or hotel), the practice pitch,
basketball and volleyball courts which are considered integral
components of the complex.
The Sports Minister called for the future renewal of the training of
technical team to take over and properly manage the complex when
completed, a process that was incomplete due to the severance of
diplomatic ties by then government of late Samuel K. Doe, with the PRC.
Minister Barnes reminded the Ambassador that the issue of the
inclusion of a gymnasium and an international standard swimming pool
in the complex was raised with his predecessor in 1985 and 1988.
"The locations of the gymnasium and swimming pool were demarcated. We
want to request in this public manner that you raise this major
concern with your government, so that during your tenure, the
construction of the last phase of the complex can be completed for the
young people of this nation," Barnes said.
The Hunan Constructing Engineering Group Corporation originally
constructed the SKD Complex, which was completed in 1986.
A spokesman for the company yesterday recalled the warm hospitality
and strong support received from their Liberian counterparts in the
1980s. "And all your Excellencies and Honorable are cordially invited
to revisit the SKD Stadium in 20 months time for the ceremony of
completion," he said.
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