Committee plans protests against KA Stadium delay
Activists in Karonga have threatened to hold a demonstration against sluggish construction of a 20 000-seater stadium in the shoreline district.
Delays to complete the sports arena, bankrolled by Local Development Fund (LDF), have irked Karonga Stadium Development Committee, an independent body that oversees the project.
The committee is petitioning for termination of the extended contract with Nangaunozge Construction for failure to meet the deadlines last year.
But LDF has asked for patience as discussions with the contractor are underway.
On Saturday, committee chairperson Kossam Munthali said that the delay has deprived Karonga residents an opportunity for business and sports development.
He explained: “The committee’s inspection shows that the project cannot be finished by the end of May 31 as promised by the contractor. Construction of VIP stand, drainage system, sceptic tank, and car park are yet to be finished few days before the new deadline.
“As such, we are ready to march to force LDF to terminate the contract.”
Construction started in September 2015 and was expected to end within 18 months.
In an interview, LDF head of development communication Booker Matemvu said the fund is concerned with the slow progress.
“In terms of progress, Karonga Stadium is the last among five stadiums that have been constructed. As such, we are currently in discussions with the contractor to map the way forward,” he said.
The delay has pushed Chitipa United to settle for Mzuzu Stadium as the home ground for its TNM Supper League matches.
