After only little over a year since its inauguration, the Estadio Naciónal (National Stadium) stands bleak and desolate,a testament to the lethargic bureaucracy that Costa Ricasuffers from.
Once called the “jewel” ofCosta Rica, dark dirt streaks now adorn its exterior. Inside, chipping paint and growing weeds serve as interior décor. The toilet area remains true to its name, now being one big toilet.
Pardon the sarcasm, but this is just a disgrace. Because the National Stadium never had a planned budget for maintenance nor even contracted with a maintenance company, its managers sit idle with no staff available for cleanup in areas outside the administrative area, i.e. almost the entire structure, including bleachers, restrooms and hallways.
Sunk in bureaucratic red tape, the administration is unable to even make funds available for maintenance and upkeep purposes. Let’s be clear: the administration does not lack funds. The total revenue collected from rents between March and December of last year amount to ¢ 54 million. However, the lack of a legal concept that dictates how the fund is used now proves to be a major oversight on the part of the administration.
Having been built in record time by 600 Chinese workers, their diligence and hardwork is now being repaid with a lack of responsibility and accountability – or we can just amount for the dry cynicism with a fact that not too many Costa Ricans know: the Estadio Naciónal’s maintenance manuals are all written in Mandarin Chinese.
