By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, Dangamvura— Dangamvura legislator Honourable Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami has officially handed over a newly constructed multi-purpose basketball and tennis court to Mutare City Council today, in a development aimed at reviving community sport and tackling drug abuse among youths.
The facility, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is a four-in-one court that can be used for basketball, volleyball, tennis and netball. The project cost slightly above US$30 000 and below US$40 000, according to the legislator.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka commended Mutseyami and the CDF committee for the investment in community infrastructure, saying the council would immediately take responsibility for safeguarding and maintaining the facility.
“I thank the Honourable Member and his CDF team. Starting today, we will deploy municipal police to guard the premise to avoid vandalism,” said Chafesuka. “We also thank him for reviving sport that was dying in this area.”
Chafesuka added that council would ensure the grounds are properly maintained and integrated into its sports development programmes.
“To complement this, we are going to maintain these grounds, and our academy will have its headquarters in Dangamvura,” he said.
In his remarks, Mutseyami said the project was a result of consultations with the constituency and the CDF committee, which identified the need for a shared sporting space for the community.
“We had meetings with the CDF committee and consultations within the constituency, and we agreed that we need a place where people can gather and do sport,” he said.
The legislator emphasised that the sports court is not only meant for recreation but also as a social intervention to address drug and substance abuse among young people.
“Sport is an area that will help manage youths across all political divides. With training and continuous involvement, our children will be kept busy and away from drugs,” Mutseyami said.
The handover marks a significant addition to Dangamvura’s community infrastructure, with local leaders expressing optimism that the facility will nurture talent, promote unity and provide a constructive outlet for young people.