eBusiness Weekly
Tadious Manyepo
HARARE City Council have set aside a combined $3,5 million for the renovation of Rufaro and Gwanzura stadiums.
Both venues have been deemed unfit to host top-flight matches.
So dilapidated are the facilities there are fears the return of football next month could be delayed.
However, the municipality have reassured the general public that the stadiums will be ready by the time competitive football resumes next month.
Of the $3,5 million which has been committed for the renovations, $2 million is for Rufaro while the remaining $1,5 million is for Gwanzura.
In an interview with Business Weekly Sport, Acting Harare City Council Mayor, Stewart Mutizwa said the municipality is committed to refurbish the venues.
He said the general maintenance work at both stadiums will start next week.
“As Council, we are very much alive to the deteriorating state of our stadiums,” said Mutizwa.
“So we have set aside a budget of up to $3,5 million to which $2 million is for Rufaro and the remainder for Gwanzura.
“The renovations will start next week. We will also be working with the football stakeholders who will be guiding us through.”
He said the Council has put on committees to oversee the refurbishment works.
“We have put in committees for both Gwanzura and Rufaro stadiums to speed up the renovation processes.
“We are happy to announce that all is now set for the renovation works.”
Yet, both stadiums had seen much progress in terms of renovations before works were halted due to the Covid-19 last year.
Much of the work at Gwanzura had been done by March last year including the repair of ablution and drainage facilities.
The perimeter wall, terraces and the playing turf will all be attended to.
Mutizwa said the Council will install bucket seats across the stadium while change rooms and ablution facilities will also be addressed.
