Bosso debt halts clubhouse project

Vusumuzi Dube and Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS Football Club’s plans to modernise their clubhouse have been halted after the Bulawayo City Council barred the institution from carrying out any development until it settles outstanding debts.

The council’s decision has temporarily frozen progress on the club’s long awaited project to build a new perimeter wall and upgrade other sections of the historic facility.

BCC corporate communications manager Nesisa Mpofu confirmed the decision, saying it was in line with standard municipal policy.

“The Club was owing in rates and as per council policy, you have to clear arrears before the plan is taken or make a payment plan,” she said.

“The Club has since done the necessary arrangements and the plan was submitted on Wednesday.”
Highlanders are believed to have owed the local authority about US$30 000 in unpaid rates.

An upbeat Jabulani Nkomo, curator of the US$1 million pledge made by businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, of which US$500 000 has already been released, said they were now ready to resume work. Nkomo’s company will handle the construction of the new wall.

“We can confirm that our City Council has finally given Astra Building Centre permission to continue with the construction of the Highlanders Clubhouse Hydraform block perimeter wall,” said Nkomo.

“Astra was ordered to stop work close to two months ago after BCC requested, as per norm, that the club make a down payment towards outstanding rates and a payment plan for the balance.
“We are happy to learn that the council has agreed to the proposal. We would like to thank both parties because Astra can now proceed with works.

“We are in the process of remobilising and should be on the ground starting this coming Monday. We will keep the stakeholders updated as much as possible.”

Nkomo dismissed rumours that part of the sponsorship funds had been misused.
“Everything is under control. Sir Wicknell Chivayo, Highlanders and myself were all in the picture about the developments. The sponsor had all the happenings in writing and is pleased that we will start work on Monday,” he said.

Efforts to reach Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla and chairman Kenneth Mhlophe were unsuccessful last night. Sources indicated they could have been out of network range while returning from Shamva, where Bosso drew 1–1 with Simba Bhora.