Contractor clarifies on Zomba Stadium capacity

Zomba Stadium contractors DEC Construction Limited say they were instructed by government to halt erection of stands on one side of the project, leading to the projected reduction on capacity.

The company’s managing director Dan Chale was clarifying on the controversy surrounding the project’s capacity in an interview on Sunday.

He said: “The information coming out is like we are imposing the stadium’s capacity on our client from 20 000 to 8 000.

“But the issue is that the initial estimated cost of the project was K15 billion, but then our client said they were ready to allocate us only K4 billion. So, we have been working around that figure.

“Under the circumstances, they instructed us to halt construction of the stands on the northern side and to this day, we have not received any communication to the contrary despite several reminders.

“So, that is how the confusion on capacity is coming in. Otherwise, as a contractor, we have no powers to dictate to a client on how a facility should be built.”

Chale said should they receive instructions to proceed with the other stands, they will do so.

He said there are a number of factors affecting the project, including funding.

Said Chale: “This affects us a lot because when you do not have resources, it can be hectic and frustrating to the extent that we are forced to borrow money from the banks where the interest is exorbitant.

“I am also skeptical about the completion of two stands that are beside the VIP enclosure due to escalating costs of commodities following the recent devaluation as they might increase the costs and we need to go back to the drawing board and work it out.

“Otherwise, most of the work has been done, including VIP Stand and the stands behind the goal posts.”

Site foreman Wilfred Kandeya said  everything being equal, they expect the pitch to be ready by the time the next football season kicks off.

“Had it not been for the excessive rains, the pitch should have been completed by now,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, Ministry of Local Government spokesperson Anjoya Mwanza said: “As government, we have an agreement with DEC Construction for a 20 000 seat capacity and that contract has not been varied.”