Boost for council sports facilities…Govt directs allocation of 7pc of budget to stadium reconstruction

Blessings Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

In a major boost for stadium upgrades, re-opening of public swimming pools and the return of many other municipal sports facilities to effective use, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has directed Harare City Council to allocate seven percent of every budget toward the reconstruction of sports facilities.

The city owns Rufaro, Gwanzura, Mabvuku, and Dzivaresekwa stadiums, which have fallen into disrepair along with many other municipal sports facilities including a network of public swimming pools, sports fields, basketball courts and many others.

The renovation of these facilities is seen as essential not only for sports but also for addressing broader social issues, such as drug and substance abuse. Upgrading the sports facilities and stadiums is expected to foster community cohesion, alleviate poverty, and enhance public interaction.

During the city’s last full council meeting, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the directive from the Ministry.

“We received a communication that seven percent of every budget allocation for the council will be dedicated for the reconstruction of the stadiums. I am happy that our ministry and ourselves are moving in the right direction. We are going to have plans around our swimming pools, schools, basketball courts, stadiums, and so forth.”

Mayor Mafume emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “We are going to ask the city’s sports committee in the next round to negotiate seriously with those who want to assist with sports stadiums without discrimination. We have had a number of proposals that have come to the council, and I think the sports committee has to follow up the ministry’s meeting and the dictates of our budget.”

Before this directive, the city had already begun efforts to upgrade its stadiums, allocating one percent of the last budget for refurbishment.

“I am happy that this gospel has caught fire in a big way. As the Ministry has directed, we will allocate funds. Sports is the economy.”

He highlighted the ongoing upgrades at Rufaro Stadium, which has successfully hosted premier league matches, the Defence Forces Cup, and the Chibuku final. Currently, the installation of bucket seats is underway.