Limbe waits for the D-day

All is virtually set for the architectural masterpiece to host the 2016 African Women's Cup of Nations and other continental matches.

Most people in the South West Region are yet to know that an alluring edifice that they admire on television during Champions League matches is a reality in their backyard. Even journalists and officials were surprised and elated when on Tuesday 7 January 2014 and last week, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education Mr. Adoum Garoua made guided site visits to the Limbe Stadium Project.

Situated some six kilometers from Limbe on the road to Idenau, these visits offered the Minister and the public in general, an opportunity to take stock on work already accomplished by the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC). During an evaluation meeting, Mr. Eric Cui, the CMEC Project Director disclosed that the Limbe Stadium is 96% ready to host both football and athletic events at national and international levels.

Designed to satisfy both FIFA and IAAF requirements, the stadium has a seating capacity of 20.000. The central area comprises of a standard-sized football field (68mx105m) endowed with a natural grass turf playing surface while a standard 8-lane 400m-running track is set round the football field to be endowed with synthetic rubber finish.

The stadium building accommodates various functional spaces, including VIP areas, media centers, athlete changing rooms, spaces for event organizers, technical areas for operation and management control, etc. An elaborate public address system has been installed to ensure audio communication during events while a giant LED display screen has also been installed to enable video and other graphic communication.

After visiting the stadium twice, Minister Adoum Garoua, has repeatedly given reassurance that the Limbe Stadium is one of the best architectural sports monuments the country. He has also voiced optimism that with such an edifice and others in the country, the government will satisfactory host the 2016 African Women's Cup of Nations and the country’s bid to organize the 2019 African Cup of Nations will be seriously considered.

However, one major hitch revolves on the roads leading to the stadium that need to be tarred.

This notwithstanding, Limbe offers a conducive atmosphere that attracts visitors from other regions and abroad. Its cosy beaches, enviable climate and touristic potentials will certainly be the greatest discovery for visitors. Needless to mention the Botanic Gardens, Down Beach, the zoo, Mount Itinde, amongst others. And Limbe also offers hotels of international standards.