FIFA team inspects turf work
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 08 2011:
A three-member delegation of FIFA and associate members arrived here for a few hours today to assess progress of work for the laying of artificial football turf at Lamlong Thongkhong ground.
For about four hours, the FIFA delegation comprising of its Development Officer Eric Henry of the United Kingdom, Asian Football Federation's Zonal Development Officer Kriselta Perera of Sri Lanka and former AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco made an elaborate inspection of the site during which Henry expressed remorse over the inorderly state of construction materials laying across the field.
He also expressed concerned on the lack of progress of the turf laying work, which was initiated last year under the joint aegis of FIFA and AFC to develop and promote football in the South East Asian region.
Henry advised officials concerned for proper maintenance of the drainage system and elevation of the of the actual turf site as it lies in a low laying area and is prone to water-logging.
Replying to queries by some newspersons as to when the people of Manipur can expect completion of the artificial turf, he stated that once the ground work is over laying of the turf will take only about a month.
With regard to cost of the project, the FIFA official said as transportation charge varies precise calculation would be difficult before completion.
He also informed that depending on maintenance the turf could last for about 8 to 10 years and that on completion of the ground work FIFA experts will supervise the turf laying work.
Work for laying the artificial turf is being undertaken jointly by AMFA and Government of Manipur.