Swimming pool gets aquatic body nod
International Aquatic Association has approved the schematics for the Olympic standard swimming pool under construction at Kamuzu Institute for Sports ahead of the Region 5 Games.
The approval of the swimming pool plans was the major cause of the delay in the project, according to Ministry of Youth and Sports director Jameson Ndalama.
He said following the approval, construction is now at full throttle and will complete by October.
Ndalama said: “You might be aware that such facilities need to be approved by the body responsible for the sport.
“There have been consultations and they came to inspect the work. Finally, they have approved the plans with some minimal changes. The notable change is that they advised that we cannot construct the main pool and have another small one for training at the same spot.
“So, the training pool will be removed. Instead, the area will now be used to install heaters, pumps and tanks.”
Meanwhile, according to Ndalama, work at the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex, which is also earmarked for the Regional V Games, is also expected to conclude by October.
He said: “You will recall that when we were starting this project, there were some delays in funding. Then the construction materials were imported late.
“But these too were sorted out and the contractors have assured us that it will be completed in time for the Games. If you go and check the sites after a month, you will notice huge strides.”
Apart from the Kamuzu Institute for Sports swimming pool and the Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex, the Bingu International Convention Centre will host gymnastic, boxing and taekwondo while Bingu National Stadium will host athletics and football matches.
The African Bible College will host basketball while Civo Stadium and Silver Stadium have been earmarked for the Under-17 girls’ and boy’s football tournament.
Government is also expected to renovate Civo and Silver stadiums in readiness for the football tournament.
Ndalama said: “As for the two venues, the main concern is the playing surfaces which need to be rehabilitated.”
The Region V football tournament director Gomezgani Zakazaka, who is also Football Association of Malawi competitions and communications director, said they will inspect the football facilities to ensure they are ready to host the event.
Last month, African Union Sports Council delegation led by chairperson Dennis Mombera and chief executive officer Stanley Mutoya toured the facilities and expressed optimism that Malawi will be ready to host the event scheduled for December 2-11.
