Halt of Malawi stadium construction strand workers without pay
Halt of Malawi stadium construction strand workers without pay
Just across Malawi's southern border, South Africa's World Cup stadiums became notorious examples of mismanagement back in 2010.
NSANJE, Malawi— Work on a new stadium in Nsanje, Malawi has completely stopped after 67 construction workers went unpaid for over three months, according to the project's head builder, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Abdual Mose said workers have not received any wages since the project started. “We began at a good pace, but we have been let down because of the non-payment of the workers,” he told AfricaBrief on Tuesday.
Mose said one foreman already resigned due to the pay crisis. The rest of the crews are only guarding construction materials and refusal to work has halted all progress on the site.
District Sports Officer Sheriff Malunga acknowledged the paralysis of the project. He blamed delays in paperwork that have kept the main contractor, Blithe Construction Limited, from receiving project funds from the government.
“The contractor used his money just to start the construction works on the ground,” Malunga explained.
Malunga said negotiations are now underway to get tax exemptions on construction materials. Officials hope that will help offset Malawi's currency devaluation which has increased costs.
“Once the contractor receives the funds, the works will go very fast," Malunga vowed.
But Senior Chief Chimombo said he worries the months of unpaid wages have already “affected the timeframe for the completion of the project.”
Community trust in the contractor and government to finish the stadium may also be damaged.
The contractor, Blithe Construction Limited, declined to comment to AfricaBrief on the halt of unpaid workers.
Mose said employees have been going to the Labour Office and Police to plead their case with no resolution so far.
Stadium construction projects in the region have a history of delays, cost overruns and quality issues.
Just across Malawi's southern border, South Africa's World Cup stadiums became notorious examples of mismanagement back in 2010.