Frw 275m is what will be spent in the renovation of the Amahoro national stadium pitch, the ministry of youth, sports and culture has revealed.

Work on the stadium started early this month and it is expected to be complete before the first 2010 World Cup/CAN qualifier on May 31.

Ramatla Earth Works, a South African construction company out-competed all local construction companies to the tender.

"We wanted an experienced company and Ramatla was recommended (to us) by South Africa’s Sports Minister for its involvement in building the 2010 World Cup stadiums. "We believe they will do the work properly and on schedule,” Karasira said.

In South Africa, Ramatla Earth Works won the tender to build one of the 2010 World Cup host stadium known as Kwa-Bhekilangha.

On top of installing a new pitch of (South African grass), Ramatla will also put in place a completely new irrigation system and a reliable drainage system.

Karasira says that work on the pitch is the first phase of refurbishing the 20-year-old stadium. The second phase will involve renovating the dressing rooms, toilets as well as the stadium clinic.

As part of the contract, Ramatla Earth Works will also train selected local technicians for seven months about the maintenance of the pitch.

Ramatla emerged the eligible company after a local construction company and one from Zanzibar were dropped because they did not match the requirements of the tender.

Part of the requirement centred on a construction company with a ten year expertise in construction, an exclusive experience of five pitch projects and revenue of $700.000 (Frw   in three years was required.

The national Stadium was constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company in 1980s.

Amahoro suffered severe damage during the 1994 occupation of the UNAMIR.
The pitch was later renovated by Kikuyu grass. After the renovations, a CAF delegation is expected to arrive in the country to inspect the conditions of the pitch ahead of the CAN qualifier.

According to an earlier interview with the Mijespoc Secretary General, Jean Pierre Karabaranga, the stadium is also being renovated in preparation for the 2009 CAN.
In related developments, Nyamirambo fence, dressing rooms and lavatories are also under renovation.

Karabaranga, both pitches are also being renovated in preparation for the 2009 championship.
Ends