By Jussa Kudherezera
Manica Youth Assembly commended Mutare City Council for embarking on renovations of recreational facilities in the city. Mutare City Council has given heed to our longstanding calls for refurbishments of recreational facilities.
Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) a youth-led organisation representing the youth constituency in Mutare City in the Budget Committee, we are very happy with the stance taken by Mutare City Council to refurbish Sakubva Stadium. It had been a long time since we have had these kinds of renovations of recreational facilities herein Mutare urban and it is going to be good for the community as well as since a functional Sakubva stadium will not just be a financial cash cow through PSL matches but residents will also be in a position to pass time watching their favourite teams. It will be a boon for sports and recreation for the youths in Mutare.
The Constitution states that “the state and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must take reasonable measure, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that youths have opportunities for recreational activities and access to recreational facilities”. This is a move we have been pushing for as the voice for youth in Mutare. This is a positive move for the youths in Mutare and all football lovers around the province of Manicaland.
Two Goals in One, City of Mutare has started the renovations of Sakubva Stadium and Chisamba Grounds to ensure that the facilities meet the soccer governing body required standards. As they promised the City council started the work on the 1ST of July 2023, removing the old Sakubva turf, which is now being transferred to Chisamba Ground. They are busy removing the lawn from Sakubva Stadium using sod cutter machine and laying of the same lawn has started earnestly at Chisamba ground.
The scope of work at Chisamba ground will take approximately 3 months and after completion, the facility will be able to host Division1 games and below. For Sakubva after the lawn harvesting process, the contractor will work on the drainage system. The facility is anticipated to be ready for use after 5 to 7 months. The coming on board of Chisamba ground will reduce the load on Sakubva Stadium. Slow but sure, One Step, One Day at a time we are moving towards improving Sakubva Stadium to meet CAF standards.
We want to thank everyone involved in the renovation of these buildings and It’s been a long time coming getting to this point. A facility like this comes with a lot of work, It reflects on our city as a whole, and it’s something we should all be proud of. The Sakubva stadium and the Chisamba grounds have been here for a long time, and having these renovated is wonderful and turns a new leaf over.
Together, United, We Shall Make City of Mutare Great Once Again.