Addis Ababa — The Ethiopian Athletics Federation is working against time to get a standard training and competition venue ready for the 16th Africa Athletics Championship.

Ethiopia will host the 16th Africa Athletics Championship, scheduled to start on April 29, 2008.

The Federation has been tasked to oversee the country's preparedness to host the continental event, but doubts linger over its competence to deliver its expectations.

Speaking at a press conference EAF Secretary Adam Tadesse admitted works were behind schedule in the process of preparation but added every thing will be ready in due time.

"It sounds as if there is a delay in the construction work. But we are assured that everything will be completed in time," he said.

Earlier on Friday the President of the National Organizing Committee Hailemariam Desalegn said preparing to host a continental championship like the one before us is not a simple thing to do.

He said the tournament was the best opportunity for the country to promote history, culture to Africa and the world.

"We should be ready to show the positive side of the country for our African brothers. We have to be in a position to show our history and culture. That is obviously a prospect we envisage to happen," Haliemariam said.

So far 22 countries have confirmed to participate in this big continental event in Ethiopia-a country largely considered as the homeland of athletics.

The secretary of the EAF is confident that the Ethiopian athletes will show the usual excellence in this contest.

All big names including Kenenisa Bekele, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar are expected to participate and win in the competition.