South Sudan suspends $6m stadium works after collapse

Authorities in South Sudan have suspended the renovation of Juba National Stadium, a project sponsored by the world football governing body, FIFA, after a partial collapse of the facility.

Parts of the stadium collapsed on Tuesday afternoon during construction, sparking public outcry on social media.

Ethiopian company, GS Construction, was last year contracted by FIFA to renovate the stadium to international standards.

The renovation of the 7,500-seater stadium, estimated to cost $6m (£4m), was expected to reach completed by the end of the year.

GS Construction Managing Director, Girma Shiferaw, has denied allegations that some workers were injured in the incident. He said it is a moral obligation to investigate what happened. It seems to be a minor issue, but the ministry in charge will not leave things at that because it is something connected to the lives of the people of South Sudan.

Albino Bol Dhieu, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced on Wednesday during a visit to the collapsed-stadium that work has to cease for a while until further notice. He also added that his ministry in collaboration with FIFA and other relevant institutions will jointly investigate the incident.

FIFA has so far not made any comment on the matter.