Zimbabwe’s dream of a revamped National Sports Stadium faces a setback. Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, announced on Wednesday that the ambitious refurbishment project won’t be completed in 2024 as initially planned. The announcement comes amidst concerns raised by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, which abandoned a scheduled visit to the stadium citing a lack of visible progress.
“We’ve made some strides, but they might not be immediately noticeable because there’s additional work planned,” Jesaya explained. “We’re currently waiting on materials to begin those further stages.”
While acknowledging the delay, Jesaya assured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to finishing the project. “We might not be able to complete it this year,” she admitted, “but the stadium will definitely be ready to host games within Zimbabwe eventually.”
Funding Shortfall Hinders Progress
The Zimbabwean government allocated 136 billion Zimbabwean dollars to the Ministry of Sport in the 2024 national budget. A significant portion, 24 billion Zimbabwean dollars, was specifically earmarked for the National Sports Stadium renovations. This initial allocation instilled confidence in Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, who previously told the Portfolio Committee the stadium would be ready for international matches by June 2024. However, that deadline has come and gone. The Zimbabwean national football team, the Warriors, will now be forced to play their upcoming June 7th match against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
The Sports and Recreation Commission chairperson, Gerald Mlotshwa, attributed the delays to a lack of promised funding from the Treasury. “The Minister’s comments to Parliament were based on assurances from the Treasury,” Mlotshwa explained. “We need to hold everyone accountable for the slow progress. The Treasury’s failure to deliver the promised funds has significantly hindered our efforts.”
Mlotshwa also raised the possibility that some funds might have been diverted due to the recent El Nino drought declaration, which has caused a national disaster in Zimbabwe.
Limited Progress Raises Concerns
A visit to the stadium reveals a stark contrast to the initial ambitions. The changing rooms and bathroom facilities remain unchanged. The most noticeable development is the groundwork for a new water reticulation system, although the pipes haven’t been installed yet. Further improvements, including the installation of electronic turnstiles, comfortable bucket seats, and giant electronic screens, are still outstanding.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee’s concerns about the lack of progress are understandable. The missed deadline and limited visible improvements raise questions about the project’s overall timeline and budget management.
The Ministry of Sport faces the challenge of regaining public confidence and ensuring transparency in the project’s progress. Open communication with the public and the Parliamentary Committee is crucial. Additionally, addressing the funding shortfall remains a priority. Whether the allocated budget will be sufficient to complete the renovations or if additional funds will be required needs to be addressed.
The National Sports Stadium is a vital sporting venue for Zimbabwe. Its successful refurbishment would not only enhance the country’s sporting infrastructure but also potentially attract international events and boost the local economy. The Ministry of Sport must work diligently to overcome the current challenges and deliver a modernized stadium that Zimbabwe can be proud of.
Source: New Zimbabwe
