Fred Vubem
5 November 2009
Recurrent power failures, leakages and spilling fountains are some of the weakness that have been noticed on the artistic jewel.
Hardly have Cameroonians had time to jubilate over their new found sports complex than the artistic jewel has started showing its shortcomings. The first Achilles heel of the edifice that notice was the marshy foundation which caused constructors to redesign the structure. Shortly after construction, the second impediment that raised its ugly head, was the narrowness of the riverbed nearby the complex which did no make for the free flow of water especially after heavy rains.
On the day of its inauguration, the fountains which were switched on to give the structure a festive mood, spilled over to floor of the esplanade of the structure causing organiser to put it off before the President's arrival. Since it went operational, other issues have cropped up like the inadequacy of the car park outside the complex and insecurity surrounding vehicles parked outside the uncompleted fence of the edifice. The translucent roof which was praised for allowing natural sunlight shine through the building in good weather, also proved to let not only light but also water pass through during heavy rains. During the 31st edition of the African Handball championship that took place in the Sports complex, spectators at the last roll of the stands, were stunned to see water running down the wall at certain places and some spectators even had to change their seats.
Another troubling issue has been that of access and supply of energy to the facility. At times, the Chinese who still assure the maintenance of the building refuse access or electricity supply to the structure until they receive order directly from the Minster of Sports and Physical Education. Pressmen and women are not doing much to help in the maintenance of the artistic jewel given by the Chinese. The press cabin has been abandoned for front row seats in the complex and journalist walk on the synthetic floor with shoes that are not adapted for the structure.
However, has not been all gloomy about the maintenance of the sports infrastructure. Conscious effort is made by spectators not to litter the inner premises of the structure as trash cans have been place everywhere in the building. The toilet facilities are equally functioning at their best and young men have been hired to take care of the synthetic material on the playing floor, wiping it each time it gets wet with sweat from an athlete. There are security guards who control entry into the edifice at any time and ensure the security of vehicles parked within the premises during competitions. There are also ushers who guide people to their seats according to the class of their entry ticket.
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