The Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium is almost ready. Under rehabilitation work since August 2022, the reopening of the Parcelles Assainies complex is coming soon. What to worry about is the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, which has an accessibility problem like a ball and chain. Explanations.By Hyacinthe DIANDY –
Considered one of the most beautiful sports infrastructures in Africa, the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, with an estimated cost of more than 150 billion CFA, is visually impressive; not to mention its amenities which make this ultra modern complex a source of pride.
Inaugurated in February 2022, the jewel of Diamniadio, with its 50,000 seats, nevertheless drags along a big problem, linked to its accessibility. A restrictive situation caused by the lack of vision of the project designers who made flashes, focusing mainly on the erection of the infrastructure, forgetting everything that could encourage the public to travel.
Consequence: the Stade Abdoulaye Wade is no longer able to fill up during Lions matches. The traffic jam at the toll and the lack of spectator amenities outside the stadium have been there.
In such a context, the announcement of the upcoming reopening of the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, nestled in the heart of the Parcelles Assainies, cannot be good news for those responsible for managing the said stadium, namely Sogip (Société de gestion des public infrastructure in the urban centers of Diamniadio and Lac Rose) led by Dame Mbodji. The latter, upon his arrival in June 2024, having opted for a recovery policy with a view to financial profitability of the complexes under his management. And as a pretext, the new CEO listed some charges to be borne, such as, among others, the 400 million CFA that must be paid per year for the management of the stadium pitch.
Fédé football, Sogip’s main client
So obviously, the upcoming reopening of the Senghor Stadium in March-April, the management of which falls to the Ministry of Sports, will undoubtedly impact Sogip’s finances, both for Lions matches and for the clubs, who will also be able to play football. Demba Diop Stadium soon. Moreover, such a policy of covering the management structure, considered “aggressive” by some, has caused bickering between the former unionists and certain federations including that of football.
Sogip will have to readjust to this new situation
And precisely, today, the “return to play” of the Senghor Stadium will necessarily have financial consequences for Sogip, if we know that the Fsf, the main client, disburses at least 35 million CFA for each Lions match; not to mention the clubs qualified for African competitions (like recently Jaraaf) which are also paying.
Because it must be recognized that in terms of accessibility, there is no comparison between the Diamniadio stadium and that of the Parcelles Assainies with a capacity of 60 thousand seats which the Chinese have revamped by adding amenities which they have the secret. Same observation regarding the rental costs which will be less heavy than those of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.
As such, Dame Mbodji and her team will now have to readjust to this new situation linked to the stadium’s revenue stream. Like the operation of the Dakar Arena, they will have to turn to other activities to fill the gap.
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