15 Oct 2025

The full installation of the black layer beneath the running track at the National Stadium is now complete.

The project, which commenced in July, is a critical part of Botswana’s broader preparations to host its first major global athletics event, World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, an achievement that will not only boost sport development, but also position the country as a credible and capable host of international competitions.

Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) marketing and communications manager, Anderson Nlisana said in an interview that the layer was crucial because it formed the foundation upon, which the top blue competition surface was installed.

He said the black layer’s installation marked a turning point in the project, as it demonstrated that the most technically challenging phase had been managed.

“The black layer has now been fully laid across the entire track and is currently undergoing its seven-day drying period, “he said.

After the curing process, he said the contactor would install the blue layer, which was already procured and available on site.

The top blue layer, once installed it would ensure that the surface met World Athletics’ standards for performance, safety and durability.

The BNSC, he said also addressed concerns regarding weather conditions during the current rainy season.

“While light to moderate rainfall occurred over the past week, project teams implemented precautionary measures to shield the track from exposure,” he said.

According to Nlisana the rains did not cause any damage or major delays, adding that as a precaution, work was paused briefly during periods of possible rainfall to protect the newly laid layer.

“This kind of careful project management ensures the quality of the final product remains uncompromised. This proactive approach has helped the project stay firmly on schedule, with no significant setbacks experienced,” he said.

Furthermore, he said he was happy that the progress came at a time when Botswana was preparing to receive delegates from World Athletics in the coming weeks.

Their site visit, he said would allow the world athletics governing body to observe the ongoing works and assess readiness for hosting the global event.

“We are proud of the work achieved so far and we are ready to showcase these milestones to the visiting World Athletics delegation,” he said.

Nlisana said their visit was both a vote of confidence and an opportunity to reaffirm Botswana’s readiness to deliver a facility that met international competition standards.

Such visits, he said were a standard part of major event preparations, ensuring that the host nation remained aligned with technical and operational requirements set by the international federation.

BNSC had also reiterated that the maintenance of the stadium was not merely a technical exercise but a national project that embodied the country’s ambition to invest in sport and inspire future generations of athletes.

BNSC acting CEO Makuke Makuke said the project would leave a lasting mark on the country’s sporting landscape.

 “We are not just refurbishing a facility but we are building a legacy and the National Stadium will remain closed to the public and event bookings until all works are completed to the highest safety and performance standards,” he said.

He said Botswana’s preparations signalled not just readiness, but confidence that the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026 would be a world-class event hosted on a world-class stage. ENDS