Malawi’s VP Kachali dares closed Kamuzu Stadium for Islamic gathering
Vice president Khumbo Kachali has been earmarked as guest of honour at Muslim’s Ijtima at Kamuzu Stadium despite recommendation from engineers to keep the facility closed from any activity until renovations are undertaken.
Government closed Kamuzu Stadium from any other activities in August this year due to its deteriorating condition feared to put lives of those who use the structure at risk.
However, Nyasa Times has learnt that the stadium will be open for Muslim’s annual largest gathering known as Ijtima in Arabic which starts Friday, October 5.
According to the Office of the Vice President, the country’s vice president, Khumbo Kachali is expected to grace the occasion on Saturday, October 6.
“The office of the vice president wishes to inform the general public that the vice president of the republic of Malawi right honorable, Khumbo Kachali will on Saturday attend Ijtima at Kamuzu Stadium from 09:00am in Blantyre,” reads a statement from the Office of the Vice President.
However the move contravenes recommendations by an engineering consultant, RD Consultant, who was hired to make valuation on the current state of the stadium.
The 22-page Structural Fabric Report RD presented to Ministry of Sports dated September 14, 2012, warns the authorities against allowing any activity taking place at the stadium until all renovation recommendations are done.
“The stadium should not be used at all until all the recommendations are done. The final decision has been arrived at as a result of findings as discussed…as well as the foreseeable difficulty to restraining use of the failed stands in trying to achieve partial usage,” reads the report in part which was signed by Donns Luke Shawa.
Nyasa Times understands that last week four Chinese, who are among the people to construct the magnificent stadium in Lilongwe and some officials from the ministry of youth and sports, had a tour at the stadium where they inspected the stands and assured government that they can renovate Kamuzu Stadium for a period of five months.
