Construction of Nsanje Community Stadium will take longer than expected as works at the site have stalled pending government’s approval of a tax waiver.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) secured $500,000 (about K850 million) from Fifa Foundation for the facility as a response to Cyclone Idai effects.
The tropical cyclone damaged several structures across the district in 2019, prompting calls for help from various concerned stakeholders.
Fam launched the project’s construction works in September this year with the aim of providing a standard match venue for the game in the Lower Shire.
However, there has been little progress on the project whose launch had brought excitement among sports lovers.
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The project is also expected to face some challenges due to the rising cost of building materials emanating from Reserve Bank of Malawi’s devaluation of the kwacha in recent weeks.
Fam president Walter Nyamilandu said the Ministry of Youth and Sports is working on expediting the matter.
“Construction has indeed stalled but we have been given assurance that some headway has been made with the relevant authorities. This gives us hope that the works will resume soon,” Nyamilandu said.
Initially, construction of the project’s first phase was expected to be completed in January.
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According to Fam’s Facebook page, the project, once completed, is expected to have, among others, a modern football pitch and solar power with an inbuilt irrigation system. The pitch will also be secured with a perimeter fence.
The facility will also have a VIP box and dressing rooms for teams.
Ministry spokesperson MacMillan Mwale said they have referred the matter to Treasury.
’’We indeed received a request from Fam on the matter and we are just waiting for feedback from relevant authorities,’’ Mwale said.
Fam is implementing the project in conjunction with Nsanje District Council
