NEKEMTE (Semonegna) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PHD) inaugurated Wollega Stadium built in Nekemte town, in East Wollega Zone Administration of Oromia Regional State.
Chief Administrator of Oromia Regional State, Lemma Megersa and many high regional state officials were also presided over the inaugural ceremony, it was indicated.
Wollega Stadium, owned by Nekemte City Administration, has so far cost over 196 million birr with a seating capacity of up to 30,000, making it the biggest and modern type stadium and youth center in the town. The construction expense is expected to reach 226 million birr after remaining finishing works.
The construction of stadium broke ground on 2008 after the Oromia Regional Government pledged to 20 million birr for the first phase. Business tycoon Sheik Mohammed Ali Al-‘Amoudi provided 18.6 million birr to the first phase of construction. During the inaugural ceremony, it was stated stated that the residents in the town contributed about 48 million birr for the construction of the stadium.
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Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Governor Lemma Megersa inaugurated the new stadium with a ceremonial goal kick.
In his speech addressing the residents of Nekemte town, Prime Minister Abiy appreciated the construction of newly inaugurated stadium which will be a source of inspiration for sport activities in western Ethiopia.
It was learned that the multi purpose stadium, whose design and supervision was carried out by the Addis Ababa-based MH Engineering Plc, has a youth center, a FIFA-standard football pitch, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a mini-soccer field, volleyball and basketball fields, a gym, a shopping center, lodges and other facilities.
MH Engineering Plc, established in 1997, is known for its engagement in the design, supervision and contract administration of stadiums in Addis Ababa (i.e. Adey Abeba Stadium, still under construction), Bahir Dar, Gambella, Assosa. The Bahr Dar Stadium is now the largest in Ethiopia, with 50,000 seats. The company has also conducted more than 400 buildings and 15 road projects over the past 10 years, according to its website.