adminMathuthu said it was only when such support comes from the principal owners of the games that other players like the private sector would come on board.
Speaking at a press briefing at Hwange High School on Tuesday evening ahead of the start of the Games yesterday, Mathuthu, who is also the games’ patron, said while the corporate world had done generally well in terms of bankrolling the competition, the support could even be better with some funding coming from Government.
“Government should take a leading role when it comes to funding and other players should be coming in to complement Government efforts. You cannot have a wedding and expect other people to foot all the bills. I therefore challenge the Government, the Ministry of Finance in particular to take a keen interest in these games and release funds on time,” said Mathuthu.
She said it was important to pay service providers on time.
Mathuthu’s calls for Government support was in response to concerns raised by the Sport and Recreation Commission through the Zimbabwe National Paralympic Games general manager, Martin Dururu, who said by Tuesday, the local organising committee had not received the money they had requested from the treasury.
“A request for money was sent but as we speak now we are yet to receive the money,” said Dururu.
Meanwhile, Mathuthu said she was satisfied with the general organisation of the championships and said all the Games Villages were ready to accommodate the athletes.
Vice President Landa John Nkomo will officially open the games today at the Hwange Colliery Stadium before Mathuthu hosts a civic reception for the dignitaries this evening at the Edmund Davies Hall.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter