Mchinji Stadium construction stalls
Mchinji district commissioner Gasten Macheka confirmed the development on Wednesday citing rise in costs of building materials as the reason.
Macheka said the project met some logistical hurdles including lack of materials such as cement and other building materials.
“The contractors are now on the site and work has resumed, but at a slow pace. We are optimistic that the project will be completed by August and it will be ready for use by the public,” said Macheka.
The project, which is being carried out by Mtima Building Contractors, started last May, but work stalled within four months.
The project is being financed by Mchinji District Council.
“The money used to fund the project is from locally generated revenue from within the district. That is why we are experiencing problems. We have no external funding. It is our appeal to well-wishers to assist us, so that we can complete the project,” said Thomas Chigwenembe, a district planning officers.
He said the project has already consumed K18 million (about $107 784).
“If we can realise this amount [the required K5 million], we are optimistic about finishing the project within a short time,” said Chigwenembe.
The stadium is being constructed in the heart of the district, behind the market and adjacent to the DC’s office.
Already, a pitch and a brick wall fence have been completed. What is remaining is building of terraces and a running track.
Mchinji District has Mchinji Ranks and Boma Stars playing in the Premier League of the Central Region Football League.
According to Chigwenembe, the stadium project was embarked on following pressure from the two teams.
“Once completed, the stadium will be our great source of revenue as a district,” he said.
