Councils mull recreational facilities

LOCAL authorities in Mashonaland West province intend to establish more recreational facilities designed not only to generate revenue, but also foster vibrant and inclusive societies.

Government has been urging local authorities to play a leading role in the development of sports, which are viewed as critical in unifying the nation.

While Chinhoyi — Mashonaland West’s provincial capital — is mulling plans to construct a cricket centre, Kariba, in the same province, is entertaining plans of establishing a campsite.

During a full council meeting recently, Chinhoyi Municipality proposed the construction of a cricket centre in Rujeko suburb.

“As the environmental committee, we recommend that council establish a cricket centre in Rujeko suburb,” reads part of the committee’s minutes.

In a separate statement, Kariba’s director of housing and community services Mr Godfrey Tichaona Magijani said plans were underway for the establishment of a golf course in the resort town.

“Plans are underway to partner some foreign investors for the establishment of a golf course, conference facility, campsite, retail facilities and harbour at Mopani Bay, a 43-hectare piece of land overlooking the mighty Kariba Dam,” he said.

As enshrined in the Urban Councils Act, local authorities are pivotal in the promotion of sport and recreation through designation of land for related infrastructure establishment.

The commitment by the two councils to increase recreational facilities in their towns derive from Government’s conviction that sport and recreation can serve as a catalyst to improving the overall health standards in the country.