A part of stage constructed for pope collapses in Democratic Republic of Congo

KINSHASA (Reuters) – A cover overhanging a stage constructed for Pope Francis in a Kinshasa stadium collapsed in a single day throughout a heavy storm, Congo authorities stated on Monday, three days earlier than he is because of seem there for a public occasion.

Francis is scheduled to reach within the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday afternoon and deal with younger folks and catechists within the Martyrs’ Stadium in Kinshasa, the capital, on Thursday morning.

The cover was being fastened on Monday, Kinshasa police chief Sylvano Kasongo instructed Reuters.

“It is the construction and the gyproc (plasterboard) ornament that collapsed however the podium remains to be in place and work is underway to get every little thing again so as,” he stated.

Heavy rain and robust winds aren’t uncommon in Kinshasa.

Footage posted on social media confirmed one aspect of the cover resting on the stage whereas the opposite aspect was nonetheless aloft.

Reporters weren’t allowed into the stadium on Monday. Troops from the Garde Republicaine, an elite navy unit answerable for defending the Congolese president and state establishments, have been guarding it in the course of the repairs.

Inside minister Daniel Aselo Okito visited the stadium on Monday as a part of a tour of venues that may host the pope, and stated in a press release he anticipated the repairs to be completed in time for Thursday’s occasion.

(Reporting by Justin Makangara and Stanis Bujakera; Writing by Estelle Shirbon)