Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire has said the government has allocated K800 million in the 2022-23 national budget for the stadium projects for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in Blantyre.
Responding to questions from Blantyre City South lawmaker Noel Lipipa on the status of the stadia in Parliament Tuesday, Mkandawire admitted that the projects have stalled but said the government is talking to contractors to settle outstanding arrears.
According to Mkandawire, construction works on the stadia will proceed once the arrears are sorted out.
“Government has allocated resources in this year’s budget to the tune of K800 million. We know that we have contractors on site. At the moment, the projects are not active because we had run out of resources.
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“But, in this budget, the government has allocated money and discussions are underway with the contractors so that, first of all, we can clear out the outstanding payments that are due to the contractors before they can proceed with the works,” Mkandawire said.
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During the session, Mchinji Central lawmaker Jepter Mwale also asked Mkandawire as to whether the government has plans of re-introducing the Presidential Cup in order to improve sports standards in this country.
In his response, Mkandawire said the government has plans to reintroduce the Presidential Cup or any other initiatives similar to the Presidential Cup in promoting sports in the country.
He said the government embarked on a programme to review the then Presidential Initiative on Sports which had run for five years.
Mkandawire added that the government introduced the Malawi Youth Games in 2020, which are annual games competed for by primary and secondary school-going youths.
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According to Mkandawire, the Malawi Youth Games have yielded tangible fruits as about 341 young talents have been identified and are being developed in athletics, basketball, football, netball and volleyball.
He added that the Salima Secondary School team that won bronze at a recent Africa Caf school tournament is a fruit of the initiative.
Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga said they did not lose hope even when the projects stalled.
“We have always believed the plans of the government. It has never changed. This time, we trust that the project will take a significant shape,” Chigoga said.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Roosevelt Mpinganjira said they are waiting for official confirmation on the allocations.
“If it is like that, then it’s good news and we thank the government. However, I will be in a good position to comment once I see the document and see what the money will do for the construction of a stadium,” Mpinganjira said.
