Public Accounts Committee (Pac) of Parliament Wednesday took to task officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the delay in some sports projects including FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers stadia in Blantyre.
Pac summoned Ministry officials to Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
In addition, Pac lamented delays in completing Griffin Saenda Sports Complex and Aquatic Sports Complex in Lilongwe after construction works stalled for more than one year due a number of reasons including lack of funds and change in design of the facilities.
Pac Chairperson Mark Botomani said the meeting was aimed at seeking clarification on a number of issues.
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“Members of the committee were also interested in learning about progress of the stadia and other sports projects,” Botomani said.
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Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Isaac Katopola, Principal Secretary responsible for Administration Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, Director of sports Jameson Ndalama and other officials were present during the meeting.
Spokesperson for the ministry Macmillan Mwale confirmed that he attended the meeting.
“On the Bullets and Wanderers stadia, we explained that there is progress as funds have been allocated. In this year’s financial year, K1.8 billion has been allocated and K1.2 billion for last year, which will be used to pay arrears,’’ Mwale said.
“On the Griffin Saenda and Aquatic project, Mwale said the project has delayed as it is waiting for a Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) determination as the scope of work changed, which ultimately changed the contract sum.
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The ministry already asked for an extra K7 billion for each of the two projects due to the change of design.
During the meeting, Pac also asked the officials to shed light on the use of funds meant for development projects for a study tour to Lesotho three years ago.
The ministry spent about K82 million in the 2021-22 financial year on the trip as Malawi was then preparing to host the 2022 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games.
