KARONGA (Maravi Post)—Authorities at Karonga District Council have expressed optimism that the construction of the multimillion Karonga community stadium is back on track amid outcries on the delays of the 20,000 capacity stadium.

Recently, concerned citizens and the Member of Parliament for Karonga North West constituency demanded an explanation from the contractor and the district council on the delays.

In view of the construction work which commenced last October and scheduled to be completed this September; authorities say little has been done on the construction site resulting to continued disagreements among the general public, the council and the contractor.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency in an interview, the district Physical Planning Officer Philemon Maseko, disclosed the delays were due to lack of commitment from the labor force and heavy rains that fell in previous months in the district.

Ironically while the rains have stopped, the construction machines are still visibly parked idol inside the incomplete stadium fence, but Maseko insist work is in progress.

“As of today the boundary wall is almost 80% done, we have also completed the two kiosks’ and the two ticketing rooms,” he said.

However Maseko, conceded construction of the first phase of the stadium will not be completed in the scheduled period. He said due to the delays the first phase will be completed mid-October a month later than the scheduled time.

“Karonga will have a stadium of its own, people just need to be calm. Whenever something is being constructed there might be delays and challenges, some foreseen and some unforeseeable,” he insisted.

In their construction agreement with the council, it is reported that the contractor was given 52 weeks to complete construction of the stadium but 37 weeks down the line, less than 50% of works has been done.