Government says that the grandstand is safe

By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport, Lusaka

The Zambian government has dismissed recommendations by a parliamentary sports committee that the country's national stadium should be demolished.

The parliamentary committee toured the 43 year-old Independence Stadium and declared the structure unfit to host matches.

Committee chairperson Raphael Muyunda recommended a new stadium should be built as the current structure was a danger to the public.

But the Permanent Secretary in the sports ministry, Bob Samakai, insists that the stadium is safe, except for its grandstand.

"There is no demolition that is going to take place," Samakai told BBC Sport.

I have personally not seen any official report where the stadium has been declared unfit Bob Samakai, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's sports ministry

"Why should we demolish the whole stadium when it's only the grandstand that's not safe?"

"According to both government and independent engineers that have been to the site, the open wings of that stadium are strong and safe.

Although other independent engineers have declared the arena a death trap, Samakai claimed he was not aware of such reports.

"I have personally not seen any official report where the stadium has been declared unfit," he said.

Zambia is expecting to benefit from South Africa's hosting of the 2010 World Cup, but the lack of suitable facilities could prove a sticking point.

In June, 12 fans died in a stampede after a Nations Cup qualifier at the Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.