BLANTYRE: The Malawi government has finalized payment of 300 million kwacha to the French government to take over the old French Cultural center premises in Blantyre.

Minister of tourism wildlife and Culture Dr. Dan Liwimbi confirmed to Zodiak Online about the payment which was done last week.

Refuting recent assertions that the premises will be turned into a library, Dr. Liwimbi says government will maintain using the premises for performing arts.

French Cultural Center which was the hub of entertainment in the city of Blantyre was closed in June last year following a change by the French government from supporting cultural activities and education to economic development.

Since then the center has remained idle attracting several comments from the general public including players in the entertainment sector.

Minister of tourism Wildlife and Culture Dr. Dan Liwimbi has disclosed to ZBS that the premises will be opened soon since the Malawi government has now paid the French government a sum of 300 million kwacha to completely take over the premises.

Reports were going round that once government takes over completely, the premises will be used as a library.

But Dr. Liwimbi has indicated that government will maintain using the premises for performing arts with the name French replaced with a new one yet to be disclosed.

An official opening of the premises as Malawi government property will be done soon once all preparations are through.

The French government used the premises as a venue for the promotion of language  for the two countries, Malawi and France as well as arts since 1973. —Zodiak