Govt courts fans over stadium

Malawi government has said it will meet representatives of concerned supporters from Blantyre in a bid to resolve differences over the closure of the giant Kamuzu Stadium.

The development comes in the wake of the decision by concerned supporters to request Blantyre City Council to give them permission to hold demonstrations on November 2 against government’s insistence not to reopen the stadium.

Government indefinitely closed the ceremonial home of football on recommendation from structural engineers after it was established that some of the stands are in bad state.

Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana on Saturday confirmed that he is planning to meet representatives of the concerned supporters later this week.

“It is true I have arranged that we should meet the group of supporters later this week because I see no reason why they should march and present a petition when we can sort out the issue amicably.

“This is a listening government, you march or hold demonstrations when the government is not listening, but this is not the case,” said Chihana on Saturday.

The minister said officials from his ministry have already taken the first step by contacting the concerned supporters to arrange the meeting.

Chihana also stated that government’s position on the stadium has not changed.

“As I have been saying, our priority is the safety of the fans and we are not going to relent on that.

“The recommendation to close the stadium was made by structural engineers who are experts in that field because some of the stands are in a very bad state and it would be a recipe for disaster to continue using the stadium until the stands are repaired. I am not an expert, but when a road is being constructed there’s a detour; hence the closure of the stadium.

“So, probably we need to sit down with them and explain clearly the state of the stadium,” said Chihana.

And reacting to the point raised by the concerned supporters that in the interim, government should consider cordoning off the affected stands, Chihana said: “It would still be difficult to control the fans because we have seen instances whereby the fans still ignore areas that are cordoned-off.”

Chihana said government is treating the issue of the stadium with urgency.

“We understand that the teams and the fans in Blantyre have been affected by the closure of the stadium and we are trying our best that renovations should start as soon as possible,” he said.

He hinted that the renovations could take a period of between six and seven months.

Chairperson of the concerned supporters, Mabvuto Chibambo, eased down a gear, saying they are prepared to put the march on hold and meet the minister over the issue.

“We are thankful to the minister that he has taken it upon himself to meet us over the issue.

“We are not trying to go into confrontation with government. This is our own government, all that we want is that our concerns should be addressed,” said Chibambo.

He also confirmed having been contacted by Principal Secretary II in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Justin Saidi over the matter.

“Mr. Saidi phoned me yesterday [Friday] and we have agreed to meet,” he said yesterday.

In a letter dated October 18 2012, addressed to the CEO of Blantyre City Council, the concerned fans stated that they would hold demonstrations and vigils if government does not act on the matter.

“But if government assists us within the period we have given them, then the demonstrations and vigils will be cancelled and we’ll inform your office,” states the letter.