The Burkinabè government has embarked on a major upgrade of the Centre omnisports d'entraînement des Étalons (COMET), a sports facility that has served the country's national teams, particularly the Étalons, for nearly three decades. The project, valued at over 25 billion FCFA, aims to bring the facility up to international standards. The upgrade was marked by a ceremony where Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo laid the foundation stone for the new infrastructure.

The COMET facility was established during the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by Burkina Faso. Since then, it has played a vital role in the preparation of several national teams. The new project involves the construction of a five-story sports hotel, which will feature 57 double suites for national teams and 300 standard rooms for other teams. The facility will also include medical and sports installations to cater to the needs of athletes.

The future complex is expected to offer a range of services to athletes, including a medical and paramedical center, restaurants, multipurpose rooms, a multisports platform, locker rooms, a VAR room, a gymnasium, and high-level sports infrastructure. Additionally, the facility will feature natural and synthetic turf football fields, tennis courts, and an Olympic swimming pool. The project also includes the construction of relaxation pools and road and network infrastructure.

The total cost of the project is estimated at 25,211,763,675 FCFA, excluding taxes, and is expected to be completed within 15 months. The Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, Annick Pickbougoum, emphasized that the upgrade marks a new era for the COMET facility. The project aims to create a modern environment for training, accommodation, medical care, and recovery for Burkinabè athletes.

The upgrade of the COMET facility is part of the government's efforts to improve the conditions for national teams. Prime Minister Ouédraogo urged the construction company to adhere to the deadline and ensure the quality of the work. The new facility is expected to provide a state-of-the-art environment for athletes to train and prepare for competitions.

The COMET facility has played a significant role in the development of sports in Burkina Faso, and the upgrade is expected to further enhance its capacity to support national teams. The project is a testament to the government's commitment to investing in sports infrastructure and promoting the development of athletics in the country.

The construction of the new hotel and facilities at COMET is a significant milestone in the development of sports infrastructure in Burkina Faso. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's sports sector and provide a world-class environment for athletes to train and compete.

Key points

  • The Burkinabè government has launched a 25 billion FCFA project to upgrade the COMET sports facility.
  • The upgrade includes the construction of a five-story sports hotel and modern amenities.
  • The project aims to create a modern environment for training, accommodation, and medical care for Burkinabè athletes.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.