Although the residents of Sligoville in St Catherine believe that a $248-million mini-stadium built in their community just over two years ago is being grossly underutilised, head of the committee established to oversee its operations says plans are afoot for its further use and development.

A gift from the Chinese government, the stadium has been idle for most of its existence. When it was first opened, it boasted a basketball and netball court, a cricket oval, a football field and a 400-metre track. Today, it appears to be nothing but a playing field with seats and while residents are grateful for the facility, they believe its full potential is not being harnessed.

underused

Frederick Blye has lived in the community for more than 40 years. He told THE STAR, "Wi have likkle local tings, like some football or cricket, but nuttin big nuh gwaan ova deh. It need fi use more man. Sometimes all six months pass an it nuh use."

The facility is not fenced and Blye believes this is a major detractor as it makes it almost impossible to host major paid events. He said a water problem in the wider community has also affected the stadium as its only source of water is that delivered by trucks. He said, "If yu a have a event ova deh, di wata wha di truck carry might nuh enuff an u know seh if u a have a event, yu haffi have wata."

Mark, another resident, agreed with Blye and added that the lack of proper lighting at nights is also working against the stadium. The residents say when events are held at the stadium, a temporary source of power is provided by the Jamaica Public Service Company. There is no permanent source of light.

They all agree that the general upkeep of the facility is poor and much can be done to maintain its appearance. Mark told THE STAR: "Dem ignore it. Di gra** nuh weed or nuttin. Only when event a gwaan, dem wi fix it up. It waan put to use man. Why spend so much money if it nah go use?"

But while the residents believe the stadium is going to waste, Dr K.D. Knight, former member of parliament for the area and current head of the stadium's management committee, said big things are in store for the facility.

Knight told THE STAR that a meeting is to be held with officials from the University of Technology (UTech) this week to discuss the possibility of the University using the grounds both for training and hosting events. He said: "What I'm trying to do is to see how I can team with UTech. The board has given its approval for us to meet and have discussions with UTech and we're meeting with Professor Morrison this Thursday."

erect wall

He said there were also plans to erect a wall around the stadium to make it more practical to host paid events. With regard to the issue of lighting, he said this would be addressed soon, but said the stadium was designed for daytime activities. "It wasn't built to have stage shows," he said. "Whenever stage shows are held there, the field is damaged with those big trucks and rehabilitation is difficult. They can use it to its fullest in the days."

He said the stadium was used 27 times last year between March and December and said the Emancipation celebrations that were held over three days last year will be an annual event. Several events, he said, including a local 20/20 cricket competition, are also on this year's calendar.