Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama has expressed satisfaction with progress and quality of work at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex under construction in Lilongwe.
The minister, who visited the site on Thursday, said the contractors are doing quality work. The project estimated at K7billion started in February and was given September 2022 deadline.
“The progress is at 35.2 percent ahead of expected 31.5 percent. They are ahead of time. I am impressed with the quality of work. They are doing a great job,” Msungama said.
“We are optimistic that the facility will be ready for the African Union Sports Council [AUSC] Regional 5 Games which Malawi will be hosting next year. When the AUSC delegation comes again next time for inspection they will be impressed with the progress.
“This facility will enable us as a country to be a preferred venue by international sports bodies.”
The 2022 AUSC Regional 5 Games organising committee vice-chairperson George Jana said finishing ahead of time will allow for testing of the facility’s readiness to host events.
He said: “When we visited the site as the Regional Organising Committee, we had the chance of meeting not only the site manager but also the architect.
“Our interaction with the gentlemen as well our visit and inspection of the site gave us confidence that the facility would, all being equal, be delivered on time or before the 2022 Regional Youth Games in December, 2022.”
When completed, the complex will have netball, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. It will also have facilities for boxing, athletics, gym, restaurant, shops and office space.
The complex will have a capacity of more than 5 000 seats according to the design.
