Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has stood firm on government’s decision to relocate the construction site of the state-of-the-art stadium to Blantyre from Lilongwe despite contrary views from other quarters, including parliamentarians.
Some opposition MPs recently took Youth Development and Sports Minister Symon Vuwa-Kaunda to task in the august House, saying the decision to move the stadium to Blantyre was in contrast to what Parliament approved in a loan authorisation legislation.
But addressing a rally in Bangula on Saturday, the President justified government’s decision, saying Fifa condemned Kamuzu Stadium.
“Kamuzu Stadium was condemned by Fifa and, therefore, we will [go ahead to construct a stadium in Blantyre],†said Mutharika.
He also said government is planning to upgrade Mzuzu Stadium to international standards.
On November 17 2010, Parliament approved a proposal by government to borrow money from the Chinese Government to construct a stadium and land was identified between Area 47 and Area 49.
Transport and Public Infrastructure Minister Sidik Mia justified the relocation of the stadium to the commercial city, saying the capital city has already benefited from a number of Chinese-funded projects.
This was after the Chinese Ambassador Pan Hejun’s announcement that the 40 000-seater stadium would be built in Blantyre once logistics are through. It is understood that government has already identified the site near Soche Technical College in Limbe.
Mia also claimed that government never made a commitment on the site of the stadium.
“It [the stadium] has never been associated with a particular place,†Mia said.
