Maintaining the National Stadium and the Zimpeto Olympic Swimming Pool, built for the Maputo 2011 African Games, has been a constant challenge for the Mozambican state. From the outset, managing these infrastructures has been a headache, mainly due to the technical and financial incapacity of the responsible entity, the Sports Promotion Fund (FPD).
One of the main obstacles identified is the lack of an advance and continuous technical training plan for the personnel responsible for maintenance. After the handover, on October 27, 2010, of the infrastructure to the Mozambican Government by the Chinese State, which financed and executed the works, the lack of adequate training for the personnel in charge became evident.
The inability of the FPD (Federal Government of China) to guarantee maintenance led the Government to seek Chinese technical assistance. Furthermore, China also played a crucial role in the internal training of some people involved in the Zimpeto Stadium construction, allowing the maintenance process to continue after the completion of the works.
Addressing the issue of sports infrastructure maintenance is crucial to ensuring the durability and proper functioning of these spaces, which are essential for sports development and international events. The case of the National Stadium and the Zimpeto Olympic Swimming Pool highlights the importance of comprehensive planning that includes ongoing technical training for those responsible for maintenance.
Furthermore, the case highlights the need for a sustainable approach in the execution of sports infrastructure projects. Excessive reliance on foreign technical assistance may not be the long-term solution, emphasizing the importance of developing local capacities to ensure autonomy in the management and maintenance of infrastructure.
It is imperative that the Mozambican state and responsible entities consider sustainable strategies to overcome these challenges. Investing in local technical training, establishing effective partnerships, and implementing preventive maintenance plans are essential steps to ensure that sports infrastructure, such as the National Stadium and the Zimpeto Olympic Swimming Pool, continue to contribute positively to the sporting landscape and the country's development.
