This is the second part of a special report on the Mkapa Stadium, which supposedly contradicts the promise made by former President Benjamin Mkapa to the nation. Back in 2000, the late President pledged to build an ultramodern FIFA-approved grade 'A' stadium before his term ended in 2005. He considered it a national disgrace for the country to lack a state-of-the-art facility.

Construction commenced in July 2005 and wrapped up in June 2007, culminating in its official inauguration in September 2007. Initially dubbed the Tanzania National Stadium, it was later renamed in tribute to President Mkapa, 13 years after his demise.

The country's FIFA Security Officer, Inspector Hashim Abdallah, and the Director of Information and Marketing at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Boniface Wambura, both members of the CAF audit team, have individually outlined discrepancies noted in their inspection audit report.

These inadequacies encompass insufficient journalist facilities, lack of proper signage directing attendees to their seats, absence of disability-friendly infrastructure, and the need for metal detectors to screen for weapons. Furthermore, they highlighted the inappropriateness of having a public road adjacent to the stadium.

All these concerns align with the 89 FIFA criteria necessary to meet global standards, which were expected to be resolved when the stadium was officially transferred to the government on July 3, 2013.

Wambura suggests that a probable lack of expertise or oversight among government officials responsible for the stadium's construction might have led to the neglect of FIFA regulations and essential construction considerations.

He also highlights a critical flaw: the lack of convenient infrastructure for individuals with disabilities. This concern has been emphasized by CAF inspectors, who recommend prioritizing accessibility improvements for this group.

They specifically stress the importance of making pathways, restrooms, and viewing platforms disability-friendly. Additionally, they suggest providing designated parking areas for bicycles or motorcycles to accommodate disabled spectators attending matches.

The issue of weapons inspection poses a significant challenge. Currently, the metal detectors at Mkapa Stadium are only positioned at the VIP entry point. Both CAF and FIFA inspectors have expressed concern over the excessive number of VIP sections, recommending a more streamlined VIP arrangement to address this criticism effectively.

Inspector Abdallah is particularly worried about the firearms storage facility. In the past, law enforcement and security personnel brought their weapons onto the field, violating FIFA regulations. This issue arose because the stadium lacked a specific storage area for protective gear. However, steps are being taken to rectify this situation and ensure compliance with FIFA guidelines.

Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, announced that as of April 11 this year, the field's enhancement progress had reached 25 percent completion.

Key improvements include the transition to a digital broadcast system, refurbishment of the players' changing rooms with new flooring, and plans to expand the football field and the athletics section.

“We are overhauling the sewage system, electricity, air conditioning units, and seating arrangements, and repainting the stadium gates,” explained Msigwa. At the time the repair contract was finalized on July 27 last year, he served as the Director of the country’s Information Services (MAELEZO) and Chief Government Spokesperson.

When the Guardian inquired about measures taken against government officials following the confirmation of stadium defects during inspection, Msigwa affirmed that the stadium meets FIFA standards, allowing its use for international matches, such as the CAF Championship of the African Club.

"The flaws identified by CAF inspectors are those they have observed. Their recent visit, three weeks ago, noted certain shortcomings. However, repairs are actively underway," Msigwa stated.

Contrary to Msigwa's assertion that the stadium is used for international matches, FIFA Security Officer Inspector Abdallah emphasized the need for special authorization for such events due to the absence of an alternative FIFA "A" Class stadium in the country.

According to media reports, the tender for the stadium's construction was announced in 2003. The Minister of Sport informed the BBC that the government had allocated US$60 million for the project.

Initially, 11 construction firms expressed interest. Ultimately, in 2004, the tender was awarded to France-based Vinci Construction with a bid of US$154 million, approximately 397bn/-.

However, opposition from certain Western countries, including those linked to the Bretton Woods Institutions, led the government to pause the tender process. These institutions oversee the global economy and raised concerns about the financial prudence of such an expensive project for a nation recently relieved of substantial debts.

After terminating the initial tender, the government shifted the project to China, where the field's design was finalized. In June 2004, then-Foreign Affairs Minister Jakaya Kikwete traveled to China and signed an agreement for a $56 million stadium, with China contributing $20 million to the project.

On May 2 of this year, The Guardian reached out to Alice Mcharo, the Chief Procurement Officer of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), for clarification on several key issues.

The Guardian inquired why the initial tender exceeded the government's budget, why Vinci Construction did not proceed with the stadium construction, and why BCEG later became involved in the project. It also questioned the allocation of a 31bn/- tender to BCEG for stadium upgrades, especially given CAF experts' concerns about meeting international standards. Notably, BCEG was responsible for constructing the stadium.

The Guardian also sought information on actions taken against government officials responsible for the flaws identified by CAF. However, Alice Mcharo requested a formal letter with these questions, to be addressed by the Director General of PPRA. The Guardian submitted the letter the following day but has yet to receive a response.

When asked about a provision ensuring BCEG future repair or upgrade tenders, the project manager Liang clarified, "There is no such provision. We won the current tender through a competitive bidding process, strictly adhering to all required procedures. Our previous work on the stadium did not influence our selection for this project, which is entirely separate."

Regarding the 31bn/- allocated for stadium improvements, Liang emphasized that procuring necessary equipment significantly influenced the total project costs.

"The addition of 62,000 new seats is crucial, given the stadium currently has only 57,558 seats for spectators, with the rest reserved. Furthermore, the financial landscape has changed since 2004. Equipment prices have risen, contributing to the substantial cost of these enhancements," he explained.

"In our quest for the prestigious Class 'A' FIFA rating, we're elevating the stadium by installing 352 cutting-edge lighting fixtures, surpassing the existing 260. Despite the significant investment, this upgrade underscores our dedication," elaborated the manager.

Furthermore, he detailed that the 352 fixtures boast a contemporary digital activation system, ensuring instant illumination, a stark improvement over the current lights, which demand 15 to 20 minutes for re-ignition.

Addressing the imperative of local content utilization, Manager Liang elucidates, "We prioritize sourcing materials like cement and paint locally in Tanzania. For non-local items, we import as necessary."

He continued, "Out of our 164 workers, 150 are Tanzanian, showcasing our commitment to local employment. With only 14 Chinese workers, our workforce epitomizes diversity."

"We've advocated for the government's consideration in replacing the stadium roof, vital due to its sea proximity and saltwater exposure. Stadium roofs typically demand replacement every 15 years, with yearly maintenance," he expounded.

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium's roof remains unchanged since its construction 17 years ago. We advocate augmenting the budget to encompass this essential upkeep as part of our ongoing endeavors, rather than initiating a separate tender process."

Rhoben Nkori, Registrar of the Contractors Registration Board (CRB), lauds BCEG as a major player in significant projects, operating in the country for two decades.

Nkori confirms CRB hasn't received any complaints about BCEG's work on the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

In instances of contractor errors, CRB adopts measures such as registration revocation, project suspension for reassignment, or compelling rectifications at the contractor's expense.

Nkori, well-versed in the matter, including CAF directives, asserts that BCEG adhered to client requirements and professional standards during stadium construction.

"The stadium, classified as Class 'B' by FIFA builders, falls short of CAF's Class 'A' stadium mandate for their competitions," he elucidates. Nkori proposes two options: proceeding with ongoing enhancements or constructing a new stadium to meet CAF's criteria.

Paul Bilabaye, Assistant Registrar - Finance and Administration at the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), corroborates Nkori's statement, affirming no complaints against BCEG.

Bilabaye attributes identified issues at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to a dearth of local stadium experts.

ERB's oversight revealed a deficiency in local expertise during CAF expert inspections. Local experts overseeing stadium construction lacked the requisite skills for international-standard stadiums.

Bilabaye underscores that FIFA standards were overlooked during stadium construction, contrasting with the adherence to FIFA guidelines in building TFF sports centers in Tanga and Kigamboni.

Bilabaye stresses the oversight in adhering to FIFA standards during the construction of the Mkapa Stadium, resulting in its inadequacy to host CAF and FIFA competitions today.

The intricacies of FIFA standards, such as soil assessment for player safety, require specialized expertise, which we currently lack. Consequently, the onus falls on those equipped with the necessary knowledge to elevate the soccer field at Mkapa Stadium to meet these standards.

Manager Liang staunchly refutes allegations of subpar construction, asserting that the stadium meets FIFA grade ‘A’ standards as per the client's requirements. BCEG executed the project according to the designated designs mandated by the government.

Highlighting the evolution of client needs, Manager Liang emphasizes the imperative to upgrade the stadium to FIFA grade ‘A’ standards. With its inauguration dating back to 2007, much of the equipment has exceeded its operational lifespan and necessitates replacement.

Mahona, the stadium manager, anticipates the completion of stadium enhancements by August this year, signaling a proactive approach to address deficiencies and align with international standards.

 Utilities

Facts about Mkapa Stadium

70000 people

Fans witness historic Simba vs Yanga rivalry match

After stadium inauguration on October 26, 2008

 1.67bn/-

Revenue record set during friendly match; Taifa

Stars vs Brazil on June 7, 2010, remains unbroken

 900m/-

Annual revenue collection

average from the Stadium

 31bn/-

The budget set for the Mkapa

Stadium renovation project

 August 2024

Timeframe for completing the renovation work to

upgrade the stadium to a FIFA Grade 'A' standard