daniel chigunwe
Herald Reporter
The Harare City Council has taken bold steps to end illegal vending at Rufaro Stadium, establishing conventional eateries and bars.
To improve safety and security, bottles will not be allowed in the stadium.
Speaking soon after commissioning municipal police patrol vehicles on Wednesday, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the stadium had been transformed into a multi-purpose complex that will have at least six kiosks.
“As you can see, we have made Rufaro the multiplex. It’s a stadium which will have activities all day round. We are no longer waiting for match day, we have commissioned several eateries or restaurants, so to speak.
“I understand people when they come to watch soccer, sometimes they are late because they eat lunch elsewhere. Now we are providing lunch at Rufaro so that they can pay for their ticket, eat their lunch, and wait for the game to start.”
Mayor Mafume also added that a beer garden will be built in the area that was previously occupied by illegal vendors.
“So we are going to put a beer garden there and a sports bar so that people don’t have to drive elsewhere. They will be able to watch the next Premier League game or whatever league right here at Rufaro.” Illegal vendors had taken over Rufaro Stadium’s parking space, with council officials clashing over whether or not to allow them to continue with their operations.
However, they were eventually removed to pave way for the refurbishment of the stadium.
Vendors and street kids have been taking advantage of the absence of eateries and beer bars to sell alcohol and drinks in bottles, endangering the public’s safety at the stadium.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter