Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Herald Reporter
NORTON Town Council chairperson Councillor Action Mataruse says the completion of the Dambiza Road project and the upgrading of Ngoni Stadium demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving community development.
Speaking at the commissioning of Dambiza Road and the official opening of Ngoni Stadium at Christ Citadel International Church on Tuesday, Clr Mataruse said the projects were successfully implemented through collaboration between the local authority, Christ Citadel International Church and MWOS FC.
He said the Dambiza Road project was carried out with support from the Norton branch of Christ Citadel International Church, while the refurbishment of Ngoni Stadium was achieved through a partnership between Norton Town Council and MWOS FC.
“As council, we are proud that these initiatives support the national development agenda and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Cllr Mataruse.
Norton Town Council engineer Ms Bester Maramba said rehabilitation works at Ngoni Stadium began in 2023.
“The work included construction of a grandstand that can accommodate more than 5 000 spectators,” she said.
“It also included the construction of changing rooms for two teams and media rooms. The ground can now host FIFA, CAF and PSL-approved matches.”
Eng Maramba said work on Dambiza Road began in April, with completion targeted for May 30, 2026.
“The church managed to meet the target,” she said.
“The work included rehabilitation of the road, construction of drainage systems and improved access to water from the borehole that was already here.
“Residents now have access to eight water points.”
In a speech read on his behalf by MWOS FC chairperson Mr Clayton Arimoso, club president Mr Patrick Tamson said the upgrading of Ngoni Stadium represented more than just the improvement of a sporting facility.
“It represents partnership, community development, youth empowerment and a shared vision for a better Norton,” he said.
“As MWOS FC, we believe football and sport in general play an important role in shaping society. Sport promotes discipline, unity, good health, teamwork and positive social behaviour.
“It also creates opportunities for young people to discover and develop their talents.”
Mr Tamson expressed gratitude to Norton Town Council for partnering with the football club on the project.
“As MWOS FC, we remain committed to supporting football development and working with Norton Town Council and other stakeholders in initiatives that benefit the community,” he said.
He added that the project aligned with Government’s broader development agenda, which encourages collaboration among institutions, local authorities, churches, sporting organisations and communities.
“Under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has continued to encourage institutions, companies, local authorities, churches, sporting organisations and communities to work together in building the country,” said Mr Tamson.
Reverend Ndaba of Christ Citadel International Church said the church’s vision was to establish its Norton branch as a model missions church focused on transforming communities through both spiritual guidance and practical community development initiatives.
He said the church’s ministry goes beyond preaching the gospel and includes projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
