6 week update from Ace2Zambia

The team are already 6 weeks in and on track to complete their project in the next 2 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to considerably low rainfall during the last rainy season, combined with a reliance on hydroelectric power, Zambia has struggled to meet its energy demand this year. This has resulted in significant load shedding and meant that we have only had access to three hours of power a day. This has had a huge impact on the economy, particularly construction. Consequently, the concrete supplier was significantly behind schedule, which led to a week’s delay. Though this has been extremely challenging, we successfully poured concrete on Saturday and completed the court’s slab, along with other works that could be completed without the dependency on power.

Excitingly, the basketball posts have also been installed. The process included digging foundations, reinforcing the posts with large stones, and casting them in concrete. Given the weight of the posts, it took a coordinated team effort involving the construction crew, ourselves, and local coaches to ensure proper placement that satisfied all parties.

We have also made notable progress on the murals. The construction team applied the undercoat, and we engaged the local school’s art teacher, with assistance from students, to continue the mural work. There has been good progress on the painting, and they are well underway to completion. In addition, work on the seating area has progressed, with the sides fully replastered. The top is currently being recast in concrete, which will have a smooth plaster finish applied before moving on to painting.

Landscaping efforts have also begun around the site’s perimeter, where rocks and plastic debris have been gathered for removal ahead of the opening ceremony. The spoon drains on both sides of the court are now fully installed, and the landscaping around the drainage has also been completed to ensure the safety of those using the court.

As we enter the final two weeks of work, we remain focused on maintaining steady and efficient progress to ensure the courts are ready for the planned opening ceremony during our last days on site.