Drainage problems stall National Sports Stadium renovations

Contractors working on the renovation of the National Sports Stadium have cited poor drainage and challenging wetland conditions as factors delaying progress on the project. 

The stadium, which last hosted international matches in 2021, was the focus of a field visit by Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, chaired by Farai Jere.

During the tour, officials were updated on the status of the works, with an onsite engineer explaining that the pitch has not yet been laid because several tests were required following completion of the drainage works. 

Once the turf is installed, it will need six months to properly settle before the stadium can host competitive events.

Speaking during the visit, Jere thanked the Government and the Ministry of Sports for the ongoing efforts and expressed optimism that renovations would be completed and the stadium ready for use within the next six to eight weeks.