GOVERNMENT has announced that construction of the new state-of-the-art stadium would start next month in Lilongwe's Area 48.

Minister of Youth Development and Sports Enock Chihana said the agreement with the Chinese government, who would be funding the project, was that the government should clear the land, connect electricity and water before actual work resumes.

He said currently, Escom are already on the site and expressed hope that water would be connected anytime soon.

"So as soon as clearing of the land is done and that water and electricity is connected, then the contractor would be on the site and Ihope work should start by next month," Chihana said.

He said government would spend about K3 million in clearing the land and connection of electricity and water.

Chihana said his ministry officials were currently pushing the Treasury to have the money released as soon as possible.

President Joyce Banda reversed plans by former late President Bingu wa Mutharika to have the stadium constructed in Blantyre arguing that was against initial plans to have it in Lilongwe.