POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality says the long-delayed international softball stadium is now expected to be completed by December 11.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala told Polokwane Observer the project is currently 50% complete, more than five years after construction began, with delays attributed to contractual challenges.

“The project remains aligned with the revised programme. While the original completion date has been adjusted, the current trajectory indicates that the project is progressing as envisaged within the updated timeline,” he said.

Selala noted that the project has moved from bulk infrastructure and structural work to finishing, installation and commissioning phases.

The R90m development is designed as a 3 500-seater international-standard stadium, featuring multiple fields and supporting infrastructure. The main contractor, Brunel Engineering, is responsible for construction, including procurement of materials.

Progress on underground services is advanced, with sewer infrastructure at 80%, stormwater at 65% and municipal water connections fully completed.

Core field platforms and retaining walls are complete, while the pump room, guard house and phases one and two of fencing have been finalised. Structural work on the grandstand, including columns, beams, staircases and parts of the seating area, is about 55% complete.

The remaining work includes completion of water, irrigation, fire systems and electrical cabling, as well as topsoil placement, phase three fencing and final field finishes. The grandstand still requires roofing, masonry work and all mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, which have yet to begin.

Internal and external finishes such as plastering, painting, glazing, ceilings and fittings, along with ICT systems, seating, signage and compliance testing, are also outstanding.

Construction began around 2020. In 2023, the original contractor, Bo Mamohlala Projects, terminated its contract after the municipality rejected a variation request exceeding 20%, valued at about R11m.

By April 2025, more than R51m had been spent. The municipality has since allocated an additional R42m for the 2025/26 financial year, with work resuming under Brunel Engineering. Selala said the project continues to follow the revised plan and remains on track.

To date, 75 job opportunities have been created for local residents. The project was initially funded through a Municipal Infrastructure Grant of R90m, later reduced to R85m.