Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) has protested the construction of a fuel service station next to its premises, citing safety concerns for its members, staff and clients.
The club’s general manager Ronuel Malikita, in a notice to members, said the location, about 100 metres from the BSC kitchen, poses a fire risk in case of a fuel leak.
“The place where the construction work is taking place is close to the club’s kitchen and this puts members, staff and guests at risk,” he said.
Malikita said the club has taken legal steps to address the matter.
“We are also requesting our members to render support to strengthen our objection. You can help by petitioning the Blantyre City Council or the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority [Mera]. We also welcome any suggestions and practical help,” he said.
Mera consumer affairs and public relations manager Fitina Khonje said in an interview on Wednesday that as regulator they are yet to be contacted by BSC on the matter.
“We will respond accordingly if they formally contact us, but as of now we haven’t received their complaint,” she said.
Blantyre City Council public relations officer Deborah Luka said she needed more time to establish the gist of the matter.
Mera guidelines on location and construction of service stations recommend a minimum distance of 500 metres from another operational service station, while distance from social amenities such as schools, hospitals or public gathering spaces is put at 200 metres.
Established in 1896, Blantyre Sports Club offers sports and recreation facilities including a 9-hole golf course, 30-metre swimming pool, five tennis and two squash courts, soccer and rugby grounds, gymnasium, darts room and snooker tables, among other facilities.
