FOOTBALLERS in the Western Provincial Capital Gizo are expected to enjoy a better playing environment once the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) expansion project for John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) Stadium is completed.
The announcement of the expansion project for the JFK Stadium already brought excitement to all sports men and women in the capital, especially the footballers.
The project dubbed as ‘John F. Kennedy Stadium Refitting and Expansion Project 2024’ will be funded by under an initiative called ‘FIFA Forward Programme.’
SIFF, in a public announcement few weeks ago, is inviting local and international contractors that can help design and implement the project.
It did not specify the cost of the expansion work.
“The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is inviting tenders from local and international firms for the design and construction for the John F. Kennedy Stadium Refitting and Expansion Project 2024 under the FIFA Forward Programme,” SIFF said in a statement.
SIFF said the scope of work involves, designing and construction of refurbishments and extensions.
Tender is now open and tender documentation can be collected from the SIFF Office.
Contractors have until the end of June to submit their proposals.
JFK Stadium underwent a redevelopment upgrade in 2009.
On 14 August 2009 under the leadership of Martin Alufurai as SIFF President, an official ground-breaking ceremony took place in Gizo to mark the beginning of a FIFA Goal III Project.
That project was to ensure the stadium meets international standards.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from FIFA, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), SIFF, the Western Province Government and Solomon Island Government.
Mr Alufurai, in his address to the crowd at that time, said the project to upgrade the JFK Stadium was to match international requirements, including the development of a technical development centre for football.
FIFA Development Officer for Oceania Glenn Turner, who was in Gizo for the ground-breaking in 2009, said that while JFK has been the best playing field in the Western Province for many years, it still fell short of the international standards at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.
Former Western Province Premier George Lilo participated in the groundbreaking in 2009.
Through the FIFA Forward Programme this year, JFK Stadium is expected to undergo an extensive facelift.
The current stadium is of good size but lacks seat-capacity for a major football competition.
During heavy rain, the turf also endures waterlogging, making it unsuitable for use.
The Western Football Association (WFA) recently elected new executive which aims to improve the sport of football.
By MOFFAT MAMU
