Construction works have resumed at Malawi Aquatic Centre in Lilongwe, nearly three years after they stalled.
The project was halted to pave the way for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games which Malawi hosted in December 2022 and thereafter, it did not resume due to funding challenges.
The ministry’s spokesperson Macmillan Mwale in an interview yesterday said the focus is to make the main pool usable.
“We want to have tiles installed in the pool and then house the pool circulation pumps as well as work on the stands,” he said.
However, Mwale said there is no timeframe for completion.
Initially, the project was estimated to cost about K8.2 billion, but Mwale said the figures are bound to change due to other factors, including rising costs of materials.
“Once the project is finalised, the contractor will submit a certificate for payment and that is when the cost will be determined,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Malawi Aquatic Union general secretary Beatrice Makwenda said: “This is a pleasant development and it is our hope that we can sustain the renewed commitment.
“The resumption of works leading to functional swimming facilities at the Aquatic Centre will greatly contribute to the development of the swimming sport. This will be the first-ever public pool in Malawi offering the much-needed inclusive access for swimming.
“It is a facility that can also enable Malawi host international competitions and run competitive swimming programmes. “
She said its completion will not only benefit athletes, but also improve swimming coaching competencies and administration.
The project was allocated K1 billion in the 2025/26 National Budget
Meanwhile, Mwale has said works at Griffin Saenda Indoor Sports Complex are yet to resume because the contractor is sourcing quotations for, among others, permanent water connection and electricity, glazing and ventilation facilities.
“Some of the materials cannot be sourced locally, so we agreed with the contractor to cast the net wider. After that, then we’ll be good to go,” he said.
The initial cost of the project was K7.8, but due to changes in scope of work and inflation, it increased to K15.7 billion.
In the current budget, the project has been allocated K2.6 billion.
The facility is expected to host the 2025 Africa Netball Championshiip in December and Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Yamikani Kauma said they are crossing their fingers that it will be completed in time.
“We are hoping that things will work out as anticipated,” she said.
