‘Urgent need to upgrade sports facilities’

THE Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion met in Bulawayo last week to deliberate on various monetary issues.

Presenting the outcomes, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion, Clemence Chiduwa stressed on the urgent need to upgrade the country’s sports facilities.

“There is a need to allocate adequate resources toward upgrading sporting facilities and national stadiums that conform to Fifa standards.

“There is a need for a budget for talent scouting and rural areas outside of major urban centres should be prioritised under the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation.

“There is a need to establish recreational facilities both in rural and urban areas to entertain the youths so that they avoid indulging in substance and drug abuse. Investment in the promotion of disability sports in the country is also crucial,” said Chiduwa.

At present, the country’s national football teams are forced to play their home games outside of Zimbabwe due to the lack of internationally recognised venues.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube used the high-level forum to share critical insights on the fiscal and monetary policy measures being implemented to stabilise the economy.

**Minister for Finance and Economic Development of Zimbabwe**

During the event, economic experts, Government ministers and Parliamentary committee heads tabled their inputs and made recommendations.

The seminar also debated public inputs following recent countrywide consultative meetings on the budget.

The consultative process fulfils Section 28 (5) of the Public Finance Management Act meant to assist the Government in crafting strong fiscal policy interventions. — @innocentskizoe