Kamuzu Stadium renovation timeframe remains unclear
The time frame for the completion of Kamuzu Stadium renovations in Blantyre is still unclear.
Sports Ministry spokesperson Christina Mkutumula and stadium manager Ambilike Mwaungulu on Friday said work is still in progress and they cannot tell when the facility will be ready.
“There is nothing so far to report on the progress of the renovations and we cannot tell when the works will be completed at present,” Mkutumula said.
According to Mwaungulu, the completion of the new artificial turf installation awaits the purchase of adhesives for the surface and rubber, which will be applied on the turf to improve its grip.
ACT Global offered government the Xtreme Turf DX60 artificial turf at $499 520 (about K360 million) last year but installation was delayed due to rainy season.
“The installation of the turf has halted because we have run out of glue and the rubber is not yet in. These materials are on their way and the works will be completed. However, it is difficult to say when everything will be in place because there are a few areas that need to be worked on,” he said.
The stadium has been closed for over a year after it was condemned by the world soccer governing body Fifa due to cracked terraces and a worn-out playing surface.
Meanwhile, a recent visit at the stadium by Weekend Nation showed that a new artificial turf has been laid on the pitch, the stands have been repainted and a new entrance tunnel has been erected. There have also been some works on the toilets and the perimeter fence.
