Valentine Makufa
Masvingo United FC and Alfred Walter Hostel have been given a lifeline by Masvingo City Council following exemptions from paying Mucheke stadium booking fees and water bills respectively.
The exemptions were outlined in the minutes of a Finance and General Purpose Committee meeting of July 19 with the football club being given privilege to use the facility for free during home games up to the end of the current 2022 soccer season.
The resolution came after an appeal by the club to council for financial assistance as it is failing to meet its operational costs.
“Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Director of Housing and Social Services on the request by Masvingo United Football Club, for financial assistance to cater for their operational costs. “In a view of financial challenges facing Council, it was suggested and agreed that the team be exempted from paying Mucheke Stadium bookings for their home games only up to the end of the 2022 season,” read part of the minutes.
Alfred Walter Hostel was also exempted from paying water bills after the manager Sister Maria Murwira requested for the privilege as the organization is a non-profit one and caters for the mentally challenged children.
“Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Finance Director on the request by Sister Maria Murwira, Manager of Alfred Walter Hostel for exemption from paying water bills. It was reported that Alfred Walter Hostel s a faith-based and a non-profitable organization taking care of 150 children with mental challenges while attending school at Ratidzo Zimcare School.
“The request by Alfred Walter Hostel for exemption from paying water bills for account no. 43-010533-01-0 be granted,” added the minutes.
Masvingo United have struggled to make ends meet as the community owned team suffers from financial challenges since they do not have a sponsor.
