China to aid Sierra Leone's national stadium rehabilitation

FREETOWN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A China-aided national stadium reconciliation project in Sierra Leone was officially handed to a Chinese construction company Friday.

The project contracted by China's Gansu Construction Investment Holding Group Limited is set to officially commence in March and is expected to last for two years.

According to the company, the project will include the rehabilitation of a swimming pool, installing a new scoreboard, construction of a standard pitch.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang said the project is to celebrate the China-Sierra Leone friendship which has lasted for more than 50 years.

"This is a testament of the true bond that exists between the two countries," said Sierra Leonean Sports Minister Ibrahim Nyelenkeh at the ceremony. "It is time for the sport to grow. It is time for Sierra Leone to start hosting international sporting tournaments."