North Imenti MP Abdul Rahim Dawood has today put to task the Ministry of Sports over the delay in the construction of several buildings at the Meru Divisional Headquarters demolished to create space for the extension of Kinoru Stadium.
Speaking at the National assembly on Tuesday, Hon. Rahim brought to the attention of the Departmental Committee on Sports the unwarranted delay in the construction of the said buildings.
“Pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2c), I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism regarding the delayed construction of buildings within the Meru Divisional Headquarters that were demolished to create space for the extension of Kinoru Stadium in North Imenti Constituency,” said Hon. Dawood.
The State Department of Sports in conjunction with Sports Kenya has been undertaking the refurbishment of Kinoru Stadium which was first commissioned in 2014 with a view to ensure that the Stadium meets international standards.
The renovated stadium is expected to bring several economic and social benefits to the people of Meru County and the entire Mt Kenya East region.
Prior to the commencement of the refurbishing of Kinoru Stadium, it was established that several buildings within the Divisional Headquarters needed to be demolished to create space for its extension.
The County Commissioner’s Municipality Office Block, Ntima Chief’s Office, three Administration Police Officers’ houses, a canteen, a public toilet and a VIP toilet were all demolished.
According to Hon. Rahim, Sports Kenya committed itself to replace the demolished buildings with a Divisional Headquarters that will cater for all the National government departmental heads. Accommodation houses for the police officers and a community social hall.
“The ministry of Works, which is undertaking the renovation of the stadium, came up with a bill of quantities for the construction of the said buildings at a cost of Ksh 42 million. The refurbishing of the stadium is now complete and ready for commissioning by His Excellency the President. Regrettably, the said buildings have not been constructed to date from 2014.” says Hon. Rahim.
The legislator has therefore asked Sports CS Amina Mohammed to provide timelines on the construction of the said buildings, together with a detailed statement on the temporary measures put in place by the ministry to ensure that members of the public seeking services from the said offices are assisted.
The Ksh 900M renovation works at Kinoru Stadium were initiated in 2014. According to Sports Kenya director Eng. Alfred Bariu, the stadium will be handed over to the county and the people of Meru next month (March 2022).
Several Premier league teams, including Tusker FC, have expressed interest in playing their home matches at the stadium.
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