The rest house, which used to generate revenue for the council, has been in dilapidated state for over a decade now. It is strategically located in the middle Old Town near Lilongwe Main Bus Depot and Main Market.

However, lack of maintenance led to its desolate state and eventual closure.

Mayor for the city Richard Banda says they have instructed the contractor to resume the renovation work.

In an interview Banda Said; “Our plans are that the investor who got the contract will need to rehabilitate the hotel. We have a contract with the developer to run the place for 15 years during which 5% will be given to the council and after the contract is terminated, it will then be run by the city council.

On the rehabilitation of Lilongwe Community Centre Ground, Banda said, “We still looking for investors that can take part to run the stadium because up to date, we haven’t been given an update from the PPDA [Department of Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority]. So we are still waiting for the PPDA but we have been advertising to find investors.”

The rest house and community centre ground, if both are worked on, could help boost the revenue for the capital city, whose authorities have been complaining of poor service delivery due to low income.

(By Doreen Shamiel Mwale-ZBS)