Controversy hits 'Makwala Stadium' project
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 24, 2020 16:59
Additionally, the funds meant for the project have been diverted to another programme in Chobe.
According to authoritative sources, the Tutume leadership has written a two-page letter to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC) expressing their distaste over the project.
“The village leadership felt that they were not consulted about the project. They only learnt about it through the media. They feel it is not right for the stadium to be named after Makwala because there are other deserving people who did a lot for the village. They are even refusing to allocate a plot for the project,” the source said.
The source added the standoff has led to the ministry transferring the funds to other projects.
Nkange Member of Parliament, Dr Never Tshabang, however, told Mmegi Sport that there was no opposition to naming the facility after Makwala.
“The resistance only came when government decided to relocate the project from Magapatona ward to Madikwe ward. The residents complained that they were not consulted about the move. I am aware of the decision that has been taken by the government to divert the funds,” he said.
Tshabang said the residents wanted an explanation on the relocation of the stadium, but it appears they are now being punished for enquiring.
In 2017, former president Ian Khama announced that a sport complex would be built in Tutume and named after Makwala. The decision was made in honour of the athlete after his London 2017 World Championships solo run.
This week, MYSC instructed Tutume Sub District Council to transfer funds that were meant for the project.
A policy specialist at the Department of Sport and Recreation, Moreetsi Bogosi said, in a letter, that in March 2019 funds amounting to P5 million were transferred to the sub district council account for construction of the sport complex.
“This amount was part of P50 million allocated for a total of 10 facilities to be constructed throughout the country. Your project has not commenced and this has affected the others as they have shortage of funds and the Ministry is unable to secure additional funding as the project still has funds that have not been spent,” Bogosi said.
He requested the transfer of P4 million from the P5 million that was disbursed to Tutume sub district to Chobe district council to facilitate completion of their project. “Tutume Sub District [Council] would be assisted with funds once the project in Tutume has commenced. It is our expectation that the remaining P1 million is sufficient to cover all pre-construction activities,” Bogosi further said in the letter.
MYSC minister, Tumiso Rakgare and his permanent secretary, Kago Ramokate declined to shed more light on the matter.
The same has reportedly befallen the proposed Tonota Stadium project, where the government is in the process of diverting funds to other projects.