Nsanje Stadium to be completed in 4 months

The transformation of Nsanje Youth Centre into a mini stadium will take only four months up to January 2024, it has emerged.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu disclosed this on Wednesday during the ground-breaking ceremony of the project, which will be funded to the tune of $500 000 (over K500 million) by the world football governing body, Fifa as a response to the effects of Cyclone Idai in 2019.

He said: “Construction of this facility will start immediately and we expect it to be ready by January. We need such a modern structure to have a strong football foundation for Nsanje as is the case with other districts such as Karonga.

“The contractor and architectural designs are ready and there is no time to waste on this project.”

However, Nyamilandu pleaded with the government to provide a value added tax (VAT) relief on the project considering the rising cost of construction materials such as cement. In the absence of the relief, the project will be taxed over K100 million.

Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire, who witnessed the ceremony alongside Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika, said government is happy with the development and will liaise with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on the VAT relief request.

“So, many areas are lacking sports infrastructure due to limited resources as government alone cannot do everything. We are happy that Fifa through FAM has come up with this project. We will liaise with the Ministry of Finance to provide a waiver on VAT,” he said.

The upgrading process will, among other things, include the construction of a football pitch, installation of solar-powered irrigation system and the erection of a wire perimeter fence, VIP stand and dressing rooms.

Blithe Construction managing director Patrick Khambadza, whose company won the bid to undertake the works, said they will complete the project on time.