Paul Tungwarara, a special advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been tasked with leading the refurbishment of Harare’s deteriorating City Sports Centre.
The facility, owned by Harare City Council, has suffered years of neglect, prompting a government-backed effort to restore it.
The renovation project will be carried out by Tungwarara’s company, Prevail Group, though specific terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
Speaking to the media, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed that the initiative had presidential approval and that Prevail Group had been selected to spearhead the rehabilitation of the once-popular indoor sports venue.
“We are receiving support in restoring the City Sports Centre, which some had begun referring to as the ‘City Church Centre.’
But we want to be clear—it remains a sports facility, and that is what we’re bringing back. The President instructed that Prevail Group work with us to revamp and modernise it,” Mafume stated.
He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in rejuvenating city infrastructure, noting that such collaborations are essential for keeping pace with modern urban standards and providing youth-friendly recreational spaces.
The move comes amid broader controversy surrounding the city council’s recent dealings with private entities.
Notably, a contentious contract with Geo Pomona has seen the company take over waste management duties in Harare.
Similarly, the council is collaborating with ZANU PF legislator Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, who is developing a new sports facility in Mabvuku and negotiating a lease for Rufaro Stadium.
Mafume, who previously resisted partnerships with private players, now appears to support these arrangements, arguing they are vital for development.
“Cities are built by the people—businesses, churches, individuals, NGOs. We welcome everyone to work with us.
When we form partnerships, the land still belongs to the city. No one is walking away with it,” he said.
The City Sports Centre, once a hub for indoor sports and community events, has visibly declined in recent years.
Efforts to restore other facilities have also stalled. In 2022, Mafume blocked a proposal by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei to upgrade Rufaro Stadium. Since then, the historic stadium has remained in disrepair.
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