Masvingo City Council has begun the renovation of Mucheke Stadium, which after completion is expected to generate more income for the local authority, it has been learnt.
The stadium, which is home to Masvingo, affectionately known as Una Una, and FC Wangu Mazodze, which is commonly known as Zhalala Zhululu, needs urgent attention on its ablution facilities and sitting bays.
Speaking during the just-ended budget consultations the City’s Finance Director, Danister Jori, said the upgrading of the stadium was in progress even though at a very slow pace due to financial constraints.
“Council has begun works on repairing the Mucheke Stadium, which we feel as council is a very important asset for the city. The pace at which we are moving is not pleasant to us, but the financial constraints are limiting us. If we could get funding, we would want that stadium refurbished in a short space of time because we see much potential in Mucheke Stadium.”
In its 2023 capital projects budget estimated at $3,5 million, the council has included the upgrading of the stadium as one of its priority projects.
With the rise in drug abuse in the province, residents have been calling for the renovation of recreational centres to help develop the young people’s skills and keep them busy.
The local authority is also working on other social amenities such as markets upgrading, which is currently in progress, however, at a slow pace as the rental incomes meant for the project are falling short of the amounts required to complete the project.
The local authority is in partnership with Dialogue on Shelter and Homeless People’s Federation in the construction of a pay toilet at Garikai market and refurbishment of Mucheke hostels.
Council is providing labour for the works while the partners provide all the required materials. – New Ziana
