The cost for the construction of Zomba Stadium has skyrocketed to K6 billion following delays to complete the project, Times Sport can reveal.
Initially, the 20,000 capacity stadium was pegged at K2.4 billion in 2021 and then K4.8 billion in 2023.
Ministry of Local Government spokesperson Anjoya Mwanza confirmed the development, saying the budget had increased to K6 billion.
“We are about to complete phase two of the project. So far, the completion rate is at 90 percent. Let me also clarify that phase one involved rehabilitation of the community hall and construction of a VIP stand. This has been completed,” Mwanza said.
Mwanza said the stadium would be opened upon completion of phase two.
“Phase two involves construction of the pitch and some stands. In phase three, we have the construction of additional stands.
“Indeed, the plan is to have the stadium partially open, upon completion of phase two, by April. The ministry is doing everything possible to meet the set date. If that fails, the date may be pushed by one or two months,” she said.
Zomba City Mayor, Christopher Jana, said they were looking forward to the completion of the project.
“It has been my prayer to open Zomba Stadium during my tenure. I have a passion for sports. I said in my inauguration speech that I will concentrate on this project. People of Zomba have suffered a big blow when it comes to sports due to the project’s delay,” he said.
The construction of the stadium started in 2017, starving the city of elite sport activities.
Initially, the deadline of the construction of the stadium was October 5 2020.
Zomba-based Red Lions, who have been relegated from the Super League twice, were forced to shift to Balaka and other venues for home games following the closure of the stadium due to the construction works.
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