The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
PARLIAMENT has raised concern that only 2 percent of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation’s budget is being allocated to recreational centres, which are supposed to play an important role in curbing drug abuse.
Recently, after noticing a spike in cases of drug abuse, the Parliamentary Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation set out to assess the state of youth centres.
A report presented to the National Assembly on Tuesday by the Committee’s chairperson, Honourable Mathias Tongofa, indicated that most of the centres are in a sorry state.
“The Committee noted with concern that despite the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation receiving $3,49 billion budgetary support from Treasury in 2020, only 2 percent of the budget was channelled towards interactive centres.
“Despite receiving devolution funds, local authorities were not paying attention to interact centres,” he said.
Masvingo Rural District Council was among the local authorities flagged for
for not directing resources to recreational facilities.
“Masvingo Rural District Council received a total $45 million from the devolution fund, but nothing was channelled towards interactive centres, hence rendering these places less attractive to young people.
“A case in point involves Nemamwa Recreational Centre under Masvingo Rural District Council which did not have ablution facilities, an administrative office, electricity, water and sewer connection since its establishment in 2019,” added Hon Tongofa.
Of the projects that have been funded, there are concerns over the slow pace of implementation.
Of the projects that have been funded, there are concerns over the slow pace of implementation.
One of the projects under the microscope is the $240 000 tennis court and volleyball pitch at Ncema Youth Interact Centre in Esigodini.
According to the Committee’s findings, all the materials required for the completion of the projects were bought in 2020, but the work is still at 50 percent as construction stopped in January 2021 without any solid justification.
