AFCON 2019 Preparation:

Another CAF inspection Team Arrives Cameroon

By Boris Esono in Buea

An overview of works ongoing at one of the stadiums to host matches of the 2019 AFCON

The 3rd visit of delegates from the Confederation of African Football, CAF to various sites to host the 2019 AFCON has been announced for August 7-14, 2018.

            Works on the various stadia has continued to pick up pace despite recent issues such as strike from workers demanding some 7 months payments owed to them. On all sites, works is still not completed, five months from the December 2018 deadline.

            Despite the fact that works on the various stadia are still dragging, it remains almost certain that Cameroon will host the 2019 AFCON. The reason being that some time ago, CAF released the logo of the competition bearing the initial “AFCON 2019-Cameroon”.

            With the announced visit coming this August, Prime Minister Philomon Yang was in the West region last week to ascertain preparations as far as the West region is concerned.

            Reports coming from the West region indicates that road infrastructure have a progress rate of almost 0% and that the deadline for the completion may not be met if the government does not take the bull by the horn.

            Prior to the arrival of the Prime Minister, the Governor of the region, Awa Fonka Augustine, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (COCAN), took stock with his collaborators and all stakeholders, on the progress of the work on the various sites coming in the preparation of the CAN Total Cameroon 2019.

            As transcribed by CAMFOOT.com, it has emerged that works is at 27.18% infrastructure achievement for the five stages of training. To be precise,Kouékong annex stadium is 32.74%; Municipal Stadium of Bafoussam 22.40%; Omnisport stadium ticket 20.8%; Municipal stadium of Bandjoun 30.4%; and Municipal stadium of Mbouda 30.56%.

            “As far as hotels are concerned, we are still very satisfied and we even think that completion dates could be anticipated”. Governor Awa Fonka

            The Bantou Hotel is at 65% completion rate and the works will be completed in December; 50% at the Tagidor hotel; more than 60% to the Bana Valley.

In terms of hospital infrastructure, the regional hospital Bafoussam cannot be ready. A plan B will therefore quickly be found, namely the use of private hospitals. But work is progressing well on the side of the Gyneco-obstetrics hospital of the Kouékong district.

            After his visit Governor Fonka Awa said he was satisfied with the various interventions: "I am satisfied, the people in charge of the various projects are hard at work; the implementation rate is encouraging and we are convinced that the deadlines will be respected”.