Ministry of Youth and Sports has recommended some technical improvements on M’mbelwa Stadium currently under construction in Mzimba District to enable the facility host international events.
Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire’s made the proposal during a tour of the facility on Monday.
The ministry’s spokesperson MacMillan Mwale said they want the stadium’s athletics track to have eight lanes to meet international standards.
He said: “There has been impressive progress at M’mbelwa stadium. The ministry has made proposals to improve certain areas so that the facility meets international standards.
“For example, the athletics lane has to be upgraded to eight tracks. Currently it has six. This will enable the facility host international competitions.”
The ministry has also asked the M’mbelwa District Council to consider installing renewable energy for drainage system, sprinkler system and installation of floodlights.”
Said Mwale: “The stadium has irrigation system for the pitch and floodlights. So, what we have proposed is that these have to incorporate renewable energy to help in managing operation costs as you are aware that one of the challenges facing sports facilities is utility bills.”
Meanwhile, M’mbelwa District Council director of education and sports Bridget Nungu says they expect the facility to be completed by June.
The project, which started in 2018 and has missed deadlines twice, was pegged at K5.3 billion.
In 2023, National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) ordered the project’s contractor Manobec Construction to demolish and reconstruct two stands for the 12 500-seater facility, following defects.
This followed an inspection by NCIC and the consultants Ruo Consultants.
