few weeks as the multi-million dollar project moves -- on schedule -- toward its December 1999 completion date, according to Stadium Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman Charles Marshall.

"People driving by the site may not have seen much activity lately, but we've certainly been busy behind the scenes,'' Mr. Marshall said yesterday.

"We've been finalising our plans for the next stage of the project and construction is set to continue the first week in August.'' At that time, the large heaps of rubble and soil which loom over the excavated area to the north of the Stadium will be levelled, creating a base for playing fields.

"The site will be raised by one metre, and piping for irrigation, wiring for lights, cables for the sound system etc. will be put underground before work begins on the surface,'' he explained. "At the same time we'll be dealing with the existing track at the Stadium.'' Planners hope dry weather next month will help in tackling the problems plaguing the running track's synthetic surface, which is laid over a concrete bed, and has been lifting for years. Mr. Marshall said the causes have been thoroughly investigated and he believes a solution has been found.

"Water was seeping into the concrete bed, evaporating through the surface, and lifting the surface,'' he said.

"Drainage ditches will be dug either side of the track this year, and next year a completely new surface will be laid.'' While excavation and construction work takes place, planners will also be hard at work on Stadium finances.

"Early next month we will also be taking bids for the building of swimming pools, an astro-turf hockey field, conference centre and cultural centre.

"In September there will be a bond issue which will help pay for the project,'' Mr. Marshall said.

"By the turn of the Century we will have finished. Bermudians will have a first class, multi-faceted Sports Complex of which they can be very proud.''