New stadium on cards

CONSTRUCTION on the New Ireland multi-purpose stadium at the Kopkop showground in Kavieng is currently underway with the completion date for the sports venue scheduled for September.
Kavieng town mayor and New Ireland chairman for youth and sports, Sikal Kelep, said the construction for the K9.8 million stadium started last year with sports like rugby league, soccer and athletics to be hosted at the venue.
“We’re really looking forward to this stadium and what it can offer to our sporting bodies in the province,” he said.
“It’s going to be a first of its kind in the province and it will also be offering our people firsthand experience of what it will be like to play matches on what can be described as a high quality pitch.
“We’re already up by one big stadium that’s going to be completed soon and we’re hoping to get another for soccer but that’s in the pipeline.”
Kelep said the New Ireland administration wanted to place emphasis on sports and the stadium could also be a tool to attract bigger competitions or sporting events into the province.
New Ireland provincial administrator Lamiller Pawut said the stadium provided opportunities for local sports and business houses to expand with sporting activities hosted at the stadium having the potential to attract more visitors to the province.
The construction of the stadium is being undertaken by the China Railway Construction Engineering Group and will see the main stadium complex house change rooms, VIP boxes, offices and seating for spectators.