Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
REFURBISHMENT of the National Sports Stadium is now expected to gather pace after the Government overcame some bottlenecks that were stalling the project.
The giant facility, which last hosted international matches in 2021, is undergoing renovations, thanks to a partnership between the Government and Sakunda Holdings.
Although the actual deadline for the renovations is not yet fixed, expectations are that the National Sports should start hosting international matches before the end of the year.
The scope of work includes installation of bucket seats, a new turnstile system and repair of the water reticulation system.
Work on the pitch and ablution facilities is also ongoing.
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry toured the National Sports yesterday to get an update on the renovations that are being done.
She was accompanied by her deputy Emily Jesaya and Permanent Secretary in the Sports Ministry, Nicholas Moyo.
So far, five bays, plus the VVIP tribune now have bucket seats.
Work on the pitch has started and Gate 1 now has a new turnstile system.
“The biggest challenge we faced has just been the financial constraints, in terms of the release of the budget and getting that (funds) on time,” Min Coventry said.
“But, Treasury and Finance have been doing a very good job.
“We are also very grateful to the partners that have come and brought in the bucket seats.”
Government has allocated ZWG884 million towards the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium, but according to the Minister, there is more work than anticipated which needs to be done before the facility is reopened.
“Not everything goes to plan, especially when you have a very old stadium. You start resurrecting different things and then you find that the job is actually bigger than what you initially thought,” said Min Coventry.
“But, in a way, that’s also really positive because we now know exactly what we are working with and what we really need to fix.
“It is a little bit more than what we originally thought.
“So, that again, has slowed the process a little bit because now we are trying to figure out what are the most important things that need to be done with the budgets that we have and that which we have been allocated.”
She added:
“You can see the beautiful seats (on some of the bays). All the bucket seats are now here. There’s some good work being done with the pitch. Good to know that the bottom part of the pitch is still good.
“So, it’s just the top half that we need to renovate and resurrect. “
