NCS promise to clear sewage from the Cricket Oval
Jan 12, 2020
Ogwel explained that the persistent rains of the previous year were the final straw in the breakdown of the oval’s inadequate system
The malfunctioning drainage system of the Lugogo oval is set to be replaced in a major overhaul by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.
"By Monday you will come and find the work has started (the oval)," promised Patrick Ogwel, general secretary of the National Council of Sports, custodians of the oval.
National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Patrick Ogwel
Ogwel's promise is the ideal update on a matter that has caused displeasure, especially in the cricket fraternity, and raised new questions about the state of national sports facilities for several weeks now.
The oval, previously prone to flooding and leakages, has been in an unusable state following the collapse of its drainage last month, leaving parts of the normally lush green field looking like an oil mine.
Sewage flowing on the Lugogo Cricket Oval, Jan 10 2020. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Ogwel explained that the persistent rains of the previous year were the final straw in the breakdown of the oval's inadequate system, supported in the past by outside measures like sucking water out of the field.
Following the latest leakage, an inspection commissioned by the NCS concluded that a new system needed to be put in place.
"We discovered the need for an overhaul," Ogwel explained.
"We are going to construct a new storm and kitchen fold water drainage line. This will be done with specifications provided by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and should be completed in the shortest time possible. "Two, there will be construction of a new channel from Copper Chimney restaurant to the KCCA sewer along Lugogo. What we discovered is that the old channel is lower than the KCCA sewer so the water bounces back."
Sewage flowing on the Lugogo Cricket Oval, Jan 10 2020. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Ogwel confirmed that the funds for the project are already available and that the primary goal of the oval, which is often rented out for shows and festivals, remains supporting sports.
Uganda will host the ICC World Cricket League Group B in July and the Lugogo Oval, the best in the country, should be the main ground of the six-team tournament. Needless to add, local cricket governing body UCA will warmly welcome news of the new developments.