By Odo Ogenyi
Fresh from the completion of the new Eket Township Stadium, Governor Udom Emmanuel has flagged off the construction of a first ever Olympic-sized swimming pool in Akwa Ibom.
The sporting facility geared towards encouraging athletes in the state to excel in swimming exercises, is located at the Uyo Township stadium, currently undergoing remodeling.
State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, who led journalists on a tour of the stadium stated that the directive for the construction of the swimming pool came from Governor Udom Emmanuel who also instructed that the stadium remodeling exercise be completed urgently.
“His Excellency has directed that an Olympic-sized swimming pool be constructed in Uyo Township Stadium and he has also directed that the stadium be completed. We are in the era of his completion agenda and no project is going to be left uncompleted.” Uko said.
According to the commissioner, the 13th biennial Police Games would be held in Akwa Ibom from 20th November, 2022.
“The Nigerian Police Force is having their sports competition in Akwa Ibom State. His Excellency, the Governor has also graciously accepted to host the event.
“It is going to attract over 10,000 police men and about 39 sporting events will be competed for in the state.”He said.
The sports commissioner decried Akwa Ibom athletes’ abysmal performances during swimming events at national sporting competitions, but stated that with the construction of the swimming pool, their performance will improve tremendously.
“In the entire state, we do not have an Olympic-sized swimming pool and most of the time, when we go for sports festivals, swimming comes with a lot of medals and Akwa Ibom never had a place where athletes can practice and win these medals.
“The moment this swimming pool is completed, I am very certain our position in the national sports festival will improve tremendously.” Uko explained.
The construction engineers gave an overview of the specifications of the facilities to be constructed and expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation and support provided them by the government for the completion of the project.
Engr. Bassey who spoke on behalf of other engineers said, “for a complete construction of a swimming pool, the electrical, structural, and mechanical engineers will be present for the work to be professionally handled.
“The accepted standard for an Olympic-sized swimming pool is 50 meters by 25 meters. As engineers, we have come in, every necessary test will be done right from the soil to the concrete to the steel. The design is out and it is going to be wonderful when it is finished.
“Now, we will have to incorporate other areas of recreation and buildings that will help the facility to work very well.This directive comes from His Excellency through my boss, and I assure you, it will be delivered as all hands will be on deck.”
As at the time of filing the report, earth moving equipments were seen clearing the site of the project.
