County Concludes Designs for Proposed Ksh 2.7 Billion Ekaales Stadium
From turkana.go.ke
Governor Josphat Nanok today presided over a design presentation by consultants tasked with planning the facility that is estimated by the designers to cost over Sh2.7 billion and is expected to be among largest stadia complex on completion.
The Governor commended the architects for concluding the designs in time which will pave way for the County Government to commence plans for its construction.
“Thanks to the consultants for the good effort so far and I hope the design can be concluded so that we move to the next phase of planning to allow the County begin sourcing for resources and kick off implementation,” he said.
He applauded the inclusion of aspects of Turkana culture in the design to reflect the rich Turkana heritage and increase its suitability to the climatic conditions of the county.
These include round design to imitate the structure of the Turkana homestead, roof design inspired by the Turkana wrist knife (abarait), Turkana shield and spear (aupal and akwara) inspiring the external structure while the overall structure designed to appear like the Turkana rectangular bowl (atubwa).
He called for division of the project’s implementation into phases for the county to begin investing in developing the key infrastructure.
Team Leader of the H.K Verde Consultants Eng. Jacob Yimbo said the design incorporates sustainable design concepts, including proposal to have solar power installations to be the main source of power for the facility, and vast roof to collect water during rainy seasons.
The stadium will be situated at the current Ekaales Cultural Centre, along the Lodwar-Kerio road.
Chief Officer for Education, Sports and Social Protection Pauline Lokuruka said the facility will be a big boost to sports and talent development in the county and will enable Turkana host national events. Other benefits expected from the project include enhanced economic growth, job creation for youth in the region, improved infrastructure and increased aesthetic value of the area among others.
Senior County officials present include Acting County Executive for Education, Sports and Social Protection George Emoru, Chief Officer for Public Works Robert Abok, Directors James Nateleng’ (Sports) and Clement Nadio (Environment), as well as Deputy Director for Sports Jackson Nakusa.
