BAT Ground rehab to cost K30 billion

Source: The Times Group Malawi
Author: Peter Fote

Malawi National Council (MNCS) of Sports is expected to use close to K30 billion for the rehabilitation of BAT Ground in Blantyre.

MNCS Executive Director Henry Kamata said the project will be done in three phases with the first having already commenced.

"This will be a 17,000 capacity stadium and will take us about three years to complete. Right now, works have commenced in earnest. The first phase is demolition of the old structure, preparatory earth works and auxiliary structural systems.

"The second phase will entail the construction of the football and track field with supporting structures. Phase three will be the construction of the office complex and the supporting structures," Kamata said.

He said the project will require about K9 billion for each of the three phases.

The commencement of the facility's rehabilitation has forced Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) offices to relocate to Chilomoni Stadium in the commercial city.

The works started with demolishing of the entire structure which was an eyesore.

SRFA Chairperson Raphael Humba said they were asked to vacate the premises by April 30.

"We were given notice to move out and pave the way for the works to commence. We would like to thank Football Association of Malawi for bailing us out. We are now at Chilomoni Stadium where our operations are continuing. We have notified all our partners that we are no longer operating from BAT Ground," Humba said.

Government first expressed interest to rehabilitate BAT Ground in 2020 but the project has been stalling on several occasions, with only a brick wall having been built some years ago.