Ben Phiri says Zomba and Thyolo Stadiums will resume work

 Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing Thyolo Stadium, which has stood at 65 per cent completion for five years.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Dr Ben Malunga Phiri expressed concern over the delay.

The stadium was initially due for completion in 2021, he said, and should not have stalled despite changes in government.

“Changes in government should never be a reason for stopping development projects. These projects belong to the people and are funded using their taxes, so they must be completed for the benefit of the citizens,” Phiri said.

He said government has assessed Thyolo Stadium, Zomba Stadium and other stalled projects to establish the damage, the condition of foundations and the work still required.

Contractors are being engaged to return to the sites, in line with Malawi 2063, which prioritises urbanisation and the development of economic centres.

Thyolo District Commissioner Noel Dakamau said the council had completed procurement and Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) processes, including negotiations with contractors.

Contractors are expected back on site within 21 days, he said, and most of the stadium’s infrastructure, including the VIP section, is already in place.

“We have completed the necessary approval processes and concluded negotiations with contractors. They are expected to return to the site within 21 days so that the remaining works can be completed,” Dakamau said.