Sports lovers and users of Rosedale Court in Mzuzu say the absence of key sanitation facilities at the court is making it uncomfortable to use the venue.
Users have complained that the court has no toilets, a situation they say affects both hygiene and the smooth running of games.
One volleyball fan, Lywell Kamanga, said the lack of toilets makes it difficult for spectators to watch games for longer periods, as they are forced to leave the venue when they need to relieve themselves.
“It is difficult to stay at that place, unlike at Katoto Court where there are toilets we can use,” he said.
Ultimate Volleyball Club (UVC) General Secretary Charles Msusa said the absence of washrooms and dressing rooms compromises players’ privacy when changing or when they need to use the toilet.
“It becomes difficult when we want to relieve ourselves because we have to ask for help from surrounding houses, and sometimes they refuse due to the large number of people,” Msusa said.
Msusa also bemoaned the lack of stands at the facility, saying it disrupts games, and appealed to authorities to urgently address the challenges.
“Other courts like at the Institute in Lilongwe have stands. They should also consider us here. Also, like at Katoto Court, there should be lights here so we can sometimes play at night,” he added.
The concerns have also been raised by netball officials in the region.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) Northern Region General Secretary Ken Phiri said they have, on several occasions, engaged the management of the facility, which told them they could use stadium facilities. However, he said the arrangement is not reliable as they are not always granted access.
Mzuzu Stadium Manager Yotam Mtafya said that during tournaments, they provide mobile toilets and have long-term plans to construct toilets and other facilities at the venue.
Rosedale Court hosts various sporting disciplines, including volleyball, taekwondo, netball and handball.
The facility underwent rehabilitation by the Malawi National Council of Sports in 2023 at a cost of K40 million, but the works did not include washrooms, stands or dressing rooms.
