Nsanje Stadium project back on track

The Forgotten Nsanje Stadium project is back on track as the Football Association of Malawi has signed a contract with Blithe Construction who are the contractors of the project.

The Association’s Executive Committee held its Second 2024 meeting in Salima on April 27, 2024, and they resolved that the project should not be divorced.

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FAM on Tuesday showed it’s determined to have the project completed as they officially signed the contracts with the contractor.

FAM President, Fleetwood Haiya said the project is expected to start this month and is expected to be completed in August this year saying it is one of the pillars of transforming the game agenda.

“Following resolutions made by FAM EXCO that the rehabilitation of Nsanje Stadium should commence in May 2024, I on Tuesday formally signed the contract with the contractor Blithe Construction to roll out the project.

“This infrastructure project remains one of the key projects that will enhance our grip and effort to transform Malawi football. The targeted completion date for the whole scope of work is 16 August 2024.

“The project is a window to communities affected by cyclones and floods in the Nsanje district that will provide a platform for scouting raw talent for our football to develop,” said Haiya.

In May last year, FAM reinforced stakeholder engagement by consulting with the local authorities in Nsanje including traditional chiefs, councilors, and local football administrators to align expectations and interests.

Following such a collaborative and interactive approach, plans were made to construct a new football pitch from scratch and to install solar power with an inbuilt irrigation system.

“In addition, the pitch will be secured with a wire perimeter fence. We are also constructing a VIP box with covered stands and dressing rooms for the football teams as one of the main features of the stadium.

“The wall will be renovated, plastered, and extended higher, and it will encompass a new main entrance with a fit-for-purpose gate.

The stadium will also have ablution blocks and gate ticketing entrances for convenience and ease access of fans,” said FAM in a press release in 2023.

The World Football governing body, FIFA approved a total sum of USD500,000 for the construction of a stadium in Nsanje under the FIFA Foundation as relief support for communities affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Anna in 2021.

However, little progress has been made in the development since 2022. The project was stalled in 2023 as FAM was waiting for the Government’s approval on tax waiver and rising costs of things.

Speaking with Wa Mpira, Nsanje District Football Association Chairperson, Kenson Jimu commended FAM for the development saying it will be a catalyst to the Association’s plans of developing football in the district.