Supporters want to meet JB over stadium

In a new twist to the Kamuzu Stadium saga, concerned supporters are seeking an audience with Malawi President Joyce Banda.

In a letter dated November 13 signed by their chairperson Mabvuto Chibambo, secretary Duncan Chikutumbwe and a member, Hassan Mahomed, the supporters say they want to meet the President after noting that nothing tangible has happened as regards Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana’s assurance to reopen the stadium for local games within four weeks.

“We have reached this decision to meet you after the meeting we had with our Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. E.C Chihana on October 24 2012 at Kamuzu Stadium regarding the same issue where he promised us that the stadium would start hosting matches between the space of two to four weeks.

“We, as key stakeholders of this stadium, have been waiting to see our main and only stadium in Blantyre start hosting the games within the agreed period, but as we are writing to you, nothing is happening to have the affected stands closed as agreed,” reads the letter in part.

The concerned supporters also claim to have followed up with the concerned ministry, but surprisingly they have been informed that it will not be reopened soon.

“We as supporters of Blantyre do not have money to travel outside Blantyre and watch games and it is also costly for our teams,” the letter further reads.

The supporters say their plans are to hold demonstrations on November 28. “But before we have these demonstrations, we agreed to meet you first.”

In the letter, the supporters are also demanding the removal of Chihana and Principal Secretary II in the ministry Justin Saidi for failing to live to their word.

However, Chihana appealed for the concerned supporters’ patience.

“They must understand how procurement procedures work in government. This process requires tendering. We cannot award a contract without a bidding process, it is not an overnight exercise,” said Chihana.