Director of the International Committee of the Games of La Francophonie (CIJF), Zeina Mina, welcomed the progress of work for the IX Games of La Francophonie, which will take place in Kinshasa from July 28 to August 06, 2023. Following a inspection visit with the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, the two officials described the work as 80% progress. The construction companies confirmed this estimate, and added that the standards were met.
The Martyrs stadium and the Tata Raphaël stadium hosted this visit. The gymnasium twinned with the stadium of the Martyrs displays seats in the colors of the flag of the DRC. Sustainable wood flooring cut into strips and laid over a basement was also installed. On the adjoining ground of the Martyrs stadium, the bleachers are already in place and the natural lawn is in good condition.
At the site of the Tâta Raphaël stadium, ten buildings have already been erected out of fifteen, which will house restaurants, accreditation room and accommodation. The Judo and freestyle room is even ready, and is just undergoing a few finishing touches, reassures the general manager of the SODIMAS Company, Robert NIONDO. The interior works of the 20 May stadium are also well advanced.
The challenge of these 9th Games of La Francophonie is great, because it should be remembered that it has been postponed twice due to the withdrawal of Canada and the Covid19 pandemic. But the Congolese Government, in cooperation with the CIJF, wants to make this event a great success.
This event is a feat for the DRC, both for the country and for the government, while part of the population and the international community doubted the ability of the DRC to organize events of this magnitude. This feat could strengthen the country’s position in international public opinion, especially in terms of organizational skills