Vandalism of sports facilities at Tshakhuma village was severely criticized by various speakers during a handing-over ceremony held at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Saturday afternoon.

A local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Tshifovhedze Madzivhandila, said that he had attended the final of the Amos Shield Soccer Tournament at the same venue three months ago. According to him, it was embarrassing for him to see that there were no toilets at the grounds, a situation which forced the dignitaries to go to nearby homesteads when nature called. He further revealed that he had taken it upon himself to ensure that there are ablution facilities at the grounds.

According to him, he approached several local businessmen, including the managing director of Mphathe Logistics Company, Mr Thinandavha Maladzhi, for donations. Maladzhi was one of the guests who attended the Amos Shield final.

Vhamusanda Vho-Madzivhandila further revealed that it was Maladzhi who had responded positively and agreed to form a partnership with the Tshakhuma Community Develompent Trust in the construction of the ablution block at the ground.

Vhamusanda Vho-Madzivhandila is the chairman of the development trust. He stated that their future plans included the provision of floodlights at the grounds. Mr Maladzhi stated that he was disappointed to see that most of the local sports facilities had been vandalized, while others were mere “white elephants”. He cited the local Mulangaphuma Sports Complex as an example.

According to Maladzhi, construction work will commence next week. During the ceremony, a local ward councilor, Mr TA Mmbadi, promised the residents that he would ensure that there was no shortage of water at the ablution block as they would be using flush toilets.