BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-There is renewed optimism that the long stalled work to complete the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe will resume soon, following fresh negotiations between government officials and construction companies.
The project was halted in 2022 when Malawi hosted the Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in the capital.
While the main construction was completed in time for that tournament, final installations such as modern gates, water and electricity connections were left pending.
According to Ministry of Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale, discussions with the contractors have reached an advanced stage, and work could recommence at any time.
Mwale said that once construction resumes, the remaining tasks are expected to take about two months to complete.
“These works will focus on essential utilities and state of the art facilities to ensure the complex meets international standards,” Mwale explained.
“The main structure is already in place, but final touches have taken longer than anticipated,”Mwake added.
Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex is designed as a multi-sport facility. While it is primarily known for handball, it also hosts volleyball, basketball, and other indoor sports.
Its completion is seen as critical in positioning Malawi as a hub for regional and continental competitions.
The development comes at a crucial time as Malawi is expected to host another major African sports competition later this year.
The last time the country staged a similar international tournament was in 2013 at the Blantyre Sports Arena, formerly known as the Blantyre Youth Center.