By Cassandra Mangulama and Memory Chulu

Mwanza, May 31, Mana: Construction of Mwanza Stadium which now nears completion is expected to improve sports development and other social activities related to sports in the district.

Speaking in an interview this week, Director of Lands and Public Works for Mwanza, Eric Nyekanyeka said the stadium will engage young people into sporting activities thereby improving physical fitness besides improving social interaction.

“The facility will not only benefit our youths but also support the district’s economic activities. It will help the council to generate financial resources through gate collections and we are expecting this to improve local revenue generation. This will also create business opportunities for vendors, restaurants and lodges among others during events,” he said.

During a visit to the site, Bonongwe Construction Service Manager, Maliseni Mtondera Tchire said that construction works of the stadium which started early this year is in its last phase.

“The project started with building of a perimeter brick fence and preparing the ground. Following government instructions to make the stadium unique, we made sure that we do quality works and we constructed a two storey VIP section which is now completed,” added Tchire.

He said the stadium`s ground floor has dressing and shower rooms, players’ toilets and a medic’s office while the upper floor includes VIP section and toilets, a conference room and sports administrator’s office.

The youths in Mwanza have welcomed the construction of the stadium describing it a positive development.

One of the youths in the district, Joel Gombwa said he will take advantage of the stadium to grow his football talent.

Maria Tailosi, a business lady said she was also looking forward to the completion of the Stadium and anticipated good business from those that will come to watch football and other events.

A visit to the project site shows that apart from football and netball grounds, the stadium has basketball and volleyball courts with other facilities such as public toilets and ticket offices at each corner completed.

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera launched construction work of the Stadium in January last year,