By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe City Council has initiated plans to upgrade facilities at the Kwekwe Aerodrome after officials discovered critical infrastructure gaps, including the absence of public ablution facilities.
Speaking to journalists following a full council meeting Kwekwe Mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga said that the issue came to light during a recent tour by councillors from the Works committee.
“The councillors noted that there is no toilet,” Zinhanga said. “We quickly asked the director of Housing and Works, as a matter of urgency, to construct an ablution facility.”
He said the move is part of broader efforts to prepare the city for a possible increase in visitors linked to matches at Chahwanda Stadium, which may host high-profile fixtures, including continental games under the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Zinhanga said the upgrades are necessary in light of indications that some national and international matches could be played in Kwekwe while other venues remain unavailable.
“Just imagine, teams flying directly to Kwekwe and when they arrive there’s not even a single toilet — it’s an embarrassing situation,” he said.
The mayor said council is prioritising the construction of a modern ablution block rather than modifying an existing facility used by staff.
“Some suggested that we expand the existing bathroom, but when I visited, I was totally against that. We need a modern bathroom suitable for an aerodrome,” he said.
While the project has been included in the council budget, Zinhanga said details on the cost and completion timeline are yet to be finalised.
He added that the situation highlights gaps in oversight of some public facilities.
“These are some of the things we realise on facilities we normally don’t visit — you only notice when there is an issue,” he said.
The planned upgrades form part of ongoing efforts by council to improve infrastructure standards as the city positions itself to host larger sporting events and related activities.
