Govt fails to pay for 2014 youth games

via Govt fails to pay for 2014 youth games – NewZimbabwe 04/07/2015

VICE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for patience to service providers and volunteers still owed by government for work done during the 2014 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under 20 youth games which were held in Bulawayo.

Most of the services providers are still to be paid six months after the hosting of the regional youth games, with sports minister Andrew Langa making repeated excuses that government will settle its debt.

Mnangagwa made the appeal at the official handover of sporting facilities built for the game to respective stewards at an event held at Bulawayo Swimming Pool on Friday.

“I am informed by the minister (Andrew Langa) that there are some outstanding debts, government is committed to honour its obligation,” said the vice president.

“Government is fully aware of the various challenges the suppliers are encountering mainly arising from delayed payment.

“Zimbabwe is our country; no one else can understand our challenges. But one thing for sure is that government will never die; in this respect all outstanding creditors’ accounts will be transferred to central government through the ministry of sports, arts and culture.”

He added: “The outstanding service provider obligations will be paid in batches.

“Meanwhile government will keep on mobilising resources for them and I chair the mobilisation committee, so I know what I am taking about.”

Mnangagwa said government invested $13 million in the hosting of the games.

“In line with the protocol agreement signed by member country representatives, the government of Zimbabwe invested a total of US$13 million in infrastructural rehabilitation and the current expenditure that we had targeted for the small and emerging companies tender process.

“Government is fully aware of the funding constraints experienced in preparation for the games and the unlimited social, economic and empowerment opportunities that come with hosting such games.

“What we have seen to date is far below the full benefits of hosting the games as a country,” said Mnangagwa.

Some of the facilities which were refurbished include Bulawayo Swimming Pool, Barbourfields Stadium, Luveve Stadium, White City Stadium, Large City Hall, Bulawayo Polytechnic College and Hillside Teachers College, among others.