City Pool renovations near completion

THE renovations being done at the Bulawayo City Pool in preparation for the Africa Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games are nearing completion, with the pool set to be ready by 15 November.
A visit by Sunday News to the site revealed that most of the work had been done with the contractor, Straightlink Construction, putting final touches to the main 50 by 40 metres swimming pool which is being rehabilitated to match international standards.

Electronics pads are also being added to the pool to ensure there is precise timing that would be acceptable to international organisations such as the Olympic Committee.

In an interview at the site, Straightlink Construction director Rucas Muchadenyika said they would be handing over the pool to the Local Organising Committee by 15 November, having completed all the rehabilitation work and the construction of the new training pool.

“I am glad to say we will be able to meet the 15 November deadline as we are putting final touches to the swimming pool tiles while also making room for the electronic pads. We have completed renovating the cubicles and we have ensured that the pool meets international standards,” he said.

LOC chief executive officer Elkana Dube expressed satisfaction with the progress of renovations at the pool adding all was on course.
“I think there were a few things left such as the expansion to accommodate the electronic pads but we are confident all will be in place in time for the games,” he said.

Bulawayo will be hosting the sixth edition of the games formerly known as the Zone Six Youth Games from 5 to 14 December.
Swimming is one of the eight disciplines that will be part of the 10-day sporting showcase.

Several sporting infrastructure has been undergoing renovations in the city in preparation for the games with Barbourfields, Luveve and White City stadiums, and Bulawayo Athletic Club all being given a facelift to ensure they meet international standards.

Other facilities that are undergoing refurbishment are the designated Games Village, Hillside Teachers’ College, Bulawayo Polytechnic and Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Halls, where basketball will be played. Other sporting disciplines that will be part of the Games are netball, tennis, athletics, boxing, judo and football.