Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex Partially Collapses- Parliament has voiced serious concern and disappointment over the severely dilapidated state of the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, once a beacon of sporting excellence in Zimbabwe. This Olympic-standard facility, which proudly hosted the 1995 All Africa Games along with several international competitions, now lies largely abandoned and unusable, symbolizing a broader crisis in the maintenance of national sports infrastructure.
The aquatic complex, originally designed to meet world-class standards, featured a main swimming pool, a practice pool, and a children’s pool, supported by essential infrastructure such as an electronic timing system and a boiler house. Today, these components are in disrepair or completely non-functional. The pools themselves have deteriorated drastically, with water damage, structural cracks, and a lack of upkeep making them unsafe for use. Meanwhile, the electronic timing system, once vital for international competitions, has long been neglected and fallen into disuse, as has the boiler house which supplied necessary heating to the facility.
The decline of the complex has had a far-reaching impact, especially on the development of swimming at both local and national levels. With the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex no longer operational, athletes, coaches, and recreational swimmers have been forced to look elsewhere for training venues, often at great inconvenience and cost. This loss is felt most acutely by aspiring young swimmers who lack access to quality facilities and resources.
The dire condition of the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex was revealed during a recent inspection conducted by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, chaired by legislator Farai Jere. The committee’s visit was part of a broader oversight mission aimed at evaluating the government’s implementation of sports infrastructure policies and identifying urgent areas in need of intervention.
Upon viewing the facility firsthand, Jere expressed profound shock and frustration. “We are appalled by what we saw at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex,” he stated. “It is a disgrace that such a world-class facility, which once brought pride to Zimbabwe, has been left to rot and fall apart.”
Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex Collapses
Jere emphasized the lost potential, noting, “It is unacceptable that we are spending millions of dollars sending our athletes abroad for training when we have an Olympic-standard facility right here at home. The government and relevant authorities must prioritize restoring this complex so it can once again host local and international swimming events.”
The committee’s findings highlighted not only the physical deterioration of the facility but also systemic issues including inadequate funding, poor maintenance practices, and a lack of clear policy direction for the preservation of sporting infrastructure. This neglect, they warned, could undermine Zimbabwe’s future competitiveness in aquatic sports and erode the legacy of past sporting achievements.
Local residents and sporting communities have also voiced their disappointment, recalling the glory days when the aquatic complex was a hub of activity, hosting regional championships and providing training grounds for promising athletes. Many lament the lost opportunities for youth engagement and community development that come with a functioning aquatic center.
The government, for its part, has acknowledged the urgent need to address the issue. Officials from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation have pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for rehabilitating the complex. However, clear timelines and budget allocations for the project have yet to be announced, prompting calls from Parliament and civil society for swift action.
The collapse of the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex stands as a stark reminder of Zimbabwe’s broader challenges in maintaining legacy infrastructure across sectors. It underscores the importance of sustained investment, proactive management, and accountability in preserving facilities that hold cultural, economic, and social value for the nation.
Parliament is now under growing pressure to move beyond condemnation and ensure concrete steps are taken. The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has committed to follow up on the issue and advocate for the necessary funding and policy reforms that will safeguard Zimbabwe’s sporting heritage and promote future growth.
As the nation watches closely, the restoration of the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex could signal a renewed commitment to nurturing local talent, revitalizing sports infrastructure, and reaffirming Zimbabwe’s place on the international sporting stage. Without decisive intervention, however, this once-proud facility risks fading further into obscurity, along with the hopes and dreams of countless athletes who rely on it.
Source- ZimEye
