By Felix Matasva
Youths under the banner of Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) have commended Mutare City Council for embarking on renovations of recreational facilities in the eastern border city.
This comes after the local authority started removing the old turf on Manicaland’s ceremonial home of football, Sakubva Stadium.
MAYA programs officer, Tinashe Muzama said Mutare City Council has given heed to their longstanding calls for refurbishments of recreational facilities.
“We are very happy that Mutare City is a listening government entity because the voice of youths in Mutare has been heard.
“As an organisation representing youths constituency in Mutare’s Budget Committee, this is a welcome development. We have successfully pushed for refurbishment of Sakubva Stadium and Chisamba grounds,” Muzama said.
He added: ” This is a very positive move for the youths in Mutare and all football lovers around the city.”
Muzama noted that they are now waiting for refurbishments to commence at Chikanga Sports Fieild which is being used as fresh farm produce market.
“We are now waiting for vendors to be removed from Chikanga Sports Field to Mwamuka produce market which is almost 90% complete,” he said.
Mutare City Council Acting Town Clerk, Blessing Chafesuka said: “It took very long and a lot of effort was invested to get to this point. It also demands a lot of resources and commitment to get this done. Ask yourselves when was this kind of project last done by the council. That should help you appreciate our commitment to this project.”
Chafesuka requested stakeholders to give council financial and moral support in order for the refurbishment project to be completed.
“As Acting Town Clerk, I believe, and so should all well-wishing residents, that this is our progress to celebrate; so let’s get it down.
“Everyone’s motivation to the staff on ground is moral support that we want. Let us be positive; negativity will dampen the efforts,” the acting town clerk said.