Bingu National Stadium (BNS) is struggling to service a minimum of K3 million electricity monthly bill due to inadequate funding, Times Sport has learnt.
This has culminated in the facility staying for close to one month without Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom)- powered electricity.
However, Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson MacMillan Mwale attributed the problem of blackouts to challenges in the payment system.
“Indeed, we have had no Escom-powered electricity for the past three weeks due to challenges in the payment system.
“Currently, we have been funded and payment has been processed and, since we are using a prepaid metre, a token was purchased,” Mwale said.
In addition, Mwale said the utility bill was huge as the facility was charged based on maximum demand even if it is not hosting any activity.
“For now, we are waiting for service provider technicians to assist us—as there seems to be a technical problem to bring back lights— by close of business tomorrow [today]. We should have electricity,” he said.
The facility migrated from post-paid to prepaid meter service last year.
The power cut has angered some clients at the facility.
A client, who asked for anonymity, described the situation as worrisome.
“Management has not even communicated to us about what is happening. This is worrisome. We, as clients, are planning to engage management to allow us to buy electricity tokens,” one of the clients said.
The facility, which was constructed using a concessional loan from the Chinese government to the tune of $70 million, has over 20 tenants including two bars and some restaurants.
According to a 2024- 25 national budget document, the facility received K100 million for Other Recurrent Transactions.
Since it was opened in 2017, the facility has struggled with water and electricity bills.
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