By GWEN CHPASULA –

THE Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) has expressed disappointment over the damaged tartan track at the new Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka.

. Mpondela

ZAAA president Elias Mpondela said in an interview yesterday that his association was hurt with the development as the running track had been damaged before the athletes could even use it.
Mpondela said ZAAA was like the owner of the running track because it was supposed to be used for athletics.
“We as the users of that tartan track are greatly disappointed because it is our biggest stadium and we have not yet used it for any proper event. “he said.
He said it was heartbreaking because the facility was of international standards complete with necessary electronic gadgets for hosting major competitions like the All Africa Games, Africa Athletics Championships and other events.
Mpondela regretted that ZAAA was not informed of the type and quality of tartan track before it was installed at the stadium.
He said if the association was involved from the beginning, advise could have been given of the quality to get for the sport.
Mpondela was however, happy that Sports Minister, Vincent Mwale took time to tour the stadium where he discovered the damages.
He said ZAAA was hopeful Mwale would do everything within his powers to help find a lasting solution to the problem to enable the athletes to use the tartan track.
Minister of Youths and Sports Vincent Mwale on Wednesday toured the Heroes Stadium where he found that the tartan track had been damaged.
After inspecting the stadium, Mwale said there was need to maintain the running track well if Zambia was to host international athletics events.
He also said there was need to ban people from driving vehicles inside the stadium to prevent further damage on the tartan track.