HARARE – The alleged spending of nearly US$1 million on renovations at Rufaro Stadium 12 months ago with little to show for it apart from painting the stands and setting up of a new car park, raises serious concerns especially following recent scandals rocking the City of Harare.
With the loss of millions at the council, something is amiss about the US$1 million figure that Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said was spent on renovating the ceremonial home of football.
Said Mafume in February 2024: “We have used just under a million in United States Dollars. We have done most of the things in-house and that has kept a tight lid on the costs of what we have done and I believe that people will be amazed with the amount of work we have done and the little money that we have used.
“You know when the figures were being brandished, some were talking of US$50 million, US$100 million just to get soccer to be played at Rufaro.”
To make matters worse, Mafume’s lies under oath about his home address, leading the Commission of Inquiry to the wrong residence where he purported to be living, lives a question mark.
If he forgot where he stays, nothing can stop him from lying about the costs of renovating Rufaro Stadium.
A thorough audit and investigation is needed to give a detailed breakdown of costs. What exactly did the US$1 million cover or the costs were inflated?
Contractor accountability: Which companies were awarded the contracts, and were they properly vetted?
Quality of work done: Why is there so little visible improvement after such a significant expenditure?
