adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FUNDING constraints have caused uncertainty over the date of the official launch of the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games.
The delay in the announcement of the 2014 national budget by the finance ministry could be the reason why the date has not been set.
It was tentatively set for the end of this month.
Patrick Chinamasa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development recently postponed announcing the budget to sometime next month, citing the need for wider consultation.
The 2014 Games’ local organising committee chief executive officer Henry Manzungu recently said during a tour of the facilities by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa, that the launch would be held this month end.
However, when contacted for comment yesterday, Manzungu was non committal and no longer certain of the launch date, citing lack of funds as the possible reason.
“It’s difficult really for me to say with certainty that we will have the launch this month end because I have not received the necessary funds to go ahead with the launch. If I manage to get the funds like now, we will definitely have it but as it stands I cannot say when for sure,” said Manzungu whose committee is tasked with making sure Zimbabwe holds successful Games. A budget of $46 million has already been set for the Games, part of which will go towards renovating some of the venues to be used during the competition next year while the rest will be for administrative purposes.
Minister Langa confirmed the figure and called on the corporate world to come on board and assist the government.
Bulawayo sporting facilities like Barbourfields Stadium, White City and Luveve stadiums will have their seating capacities increased while new changing rooms are also set to be constructed at both stadia.
The cycling track at White City Stadium will be demolished so that more athletics lanes will be made available with an artificial tartan track laid to benefit the sport in the region.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendai Tagara is hopeful they will get electronic timers and wind gauges for use beyond the Games. This will enable the local body to have qualifying events in the country.
Two weeks ago, Zimbabwe played host to a Council of Ministers meeting whose agenda also included the route to the 2014 Games.
The local organising committee and the government have already assured the region and nation of a successful sporting extravaganza next year.
Online Reporter