By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Plans to refurbish Tshovani Stadium remain in motion despite significant
delays in the tendering process, with budgeted funds for the project reportedly still
intact.
Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) had initially expected work to commence in late December
- However, administrative hurdles have stalled progress.
Addressing residents during a recent ward development feedback meeting organized by
TellZim News, CTC Vice Chairperson and Ward 1 Councilor Liberty Macharaga
confirmed that the local authority is still committed to the project.
“Refurbishment of Tshovani Stadium is still on the cards. As a local authority, we have
set aside the beer levy from 2025 and 2026 toward the stadium. I can assure you that
work will begin as soon as the tendering process is finalized ” said Macharaga.
Macharaga explained that the initial timeline was derailed by procedural errors and a
lack of competitive bids.
“Tendering began in late November, and we hoped work would start by late December.
However, we were informed of errors in the initial process, which forced us to re-tender.
This required a mandatory 21-day waiting period,” he added.
He further noted that the second attempt yielded only one bidder.
“While we were advised that we could proceed with a sole tenderer, the history of
Chiredzi demands high levels of transparency. We felt it was best to re-tender again to
ensure a fair process. Interestingly, the first round had over ten interested parties who
did not resubmit in the second round. We have urged them to resubmit their documents,
and we hope for a successful outcome this time,” he added.
Tshovani Stadium currently serves as the sole major sporting facility in Chiredzi. Beyond
the main stadium, Macharaga urged local youths to identify smaller spaces for
recreational development to help combat drug and substance abuse.
“I encourage the youth to come up with ideas. For instance, one group identified a
space outside Tshovani Stadium where a multipurpose court for basketball, netball,
tennis, and volleyball could be built. I have already pledged 10 bags of cement toward
that initiative and promised to engage the business community for further funding,”
Macharaga said
