Govt spends over K600m in Sports – Chileshe

The Government has spent over K600m in the last five years to support sports associations and federations across Zambia, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe has revealed. ‎ ‎Chileshe said the period has been foundational for sports development,…

The Government has spent over K600m in the last five years to support sports associations and federations across Zambia, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe has revealed.
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‎Chileshe said the period has been foundational for sports development, with funding extended to disciplines including *chess, hockey, basketball, beach volleyball, pool and tennis.
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‎“The period has been foundational for sports development, with support extended to disciplines including chess, hockey, basketball, beach volleyball, pool and tennis.”
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‎He announced that universities will now have greater responsibility in managing their own sports infrastructure projects, with the government providing financial support.
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‎Under the new arrangement, universities will prepare Bills of Quantities, procure materials and engage contractors to reduce delays associated with government procurement procedures.
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‎“As more private sector begins to invest more in sport it means it frees government a bit some extra resources to keep. Keep for what? To reinvest in sports infrastructure. You know that infrastructure development is very key,” he said.
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‎Chileshe said government has already started renovating National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, is fixing the FIFA-rated FAZ Technical Center, and will work on Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
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‎He added that over K30m has been devolved to local government for community sport.
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‎“We can now look at the sports infrastructure at the Copperbelt University and the University of Zambia. Universities are better institutions for identifying talent like you heard from the Vice Chancellor CBU has over 26,000 students. And these 26,000 young people are coming from all the ten provinces.”
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‎He said University and College Sports can be used as a springboard to enhance grassroots sport.
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