Chairman decries vandalism of stadium facilities in Anambra

Patrick Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra Sports Development Commission, has condemned the vandalism of facilities at Otuocha Township Stadium, Aguleri, in the Anambra East Local Government Area.

Onyedum, who was on a tour of sports facilities in the state, said on Friday in Awka that the rot at other sports facilities in the state was also unacceptable and highly condemnable.

Supreme reports that the Otuocha stadium got a facelift in 2020 when it was rebuilt and equipped for the purpose of hosting the Nigeria Police Games.

"This stadium was well equipped, but the place is now totally vandalized."

"The gate is broken, the electrical cables have been unearthed and stolen, and the pavilion roof, chairs, and office equipment have all been removed."

"Nobody is protecting the facility; it is unfortunate that the community would allow this type of destruction to take place.

"We are going to see how we can recover the few assets left before they will be stolen," he said.

At the Awka Township Stadium, Onyedum commended the state of the football pitch.

He however regretted that the contractor had not completed the track for athletics and and other field events.

The chairman directed officials of the commission to invite the contractor for review of the progress made in the execution of the contract.

"The pitch is fine but there is no place for field events. For me, the work is not complete; there is still a lot of work to be done.

"I have directed that the contractor should come for an update, I need to see the contract document because I do not have it.

"This will enable us to know what he was contracted to do, the percentage of contract sum he has been paid, what is outstanding and if he has finished his job," he said.

Onyedum said there was nothing the state could also salvage from the abandoned multi million naira swimming pool constructed in 2020 for the Nigeria Police Games at the Alex Ekwueme Square.

He said that the funds required to stop erosion at the site was enough to construct a new swimming pool in a more suitable site.

The chairman, however, said that the commission would renovate the basketball, volleyball and handball courts.