Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium refurbishment 65% complete after years of delays
The long-delayed refurbishment of Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium has finally reached 65% completion, according to a Cabinet briefing by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Kirsty Coventry on Tuesday. The project has been plagued by years of stop-and-start work, stemming from a series of canceled and reinstated tenders before the government took over procurement.
The drawn-out process, which has spanned four years, has left Zimbabwean football fans unable to watch their national team and club teams play home matches, as the stadium still does not meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. Since the ban, Zimbabwe has been forced to host international matches in other countries due to the stadium’s substandard facilities.
Coventry reported that water reticulation works are now 65% complete, with the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV), turnstiles, and Venue Operations Control at 50%. Installation of bucket seats remains at 35%.
In addition to the stadium updates, Coventry noted progress on other projects, including the resuscitation of Concession Recreation Park in Mashonaland Central Province, now 40% complete, and the Victoria Falls Sculpture Park, which is 60% finished. She also reported that the National Film Strategy is 80% complete, and work on the Kanyemba Arts and Culture Centre in Mbire is underway.
The delays in refurbishing the National Sports Stadium continue to cost Zimbabwe its chance to host home matches, a frustration for both fans and teams.
