CAG report smells rat in major sports arenas 

THE Controller and Auditor General (CAG) has recommended the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports to introduce an asset maintenance plan and perform regular maintenance and safety checks to improve the safety of the sports arenas, prolong their lifespan, and prevent revenue loss.

These recommendations were stated in the Audit General Report of the Controller and Auditor General for the financial year 2021/2022 after observing several weaknesses relating to the operational performance of the three sports arenas; Benjamin Mkapa, Uhuru, and the Indoor Stadium.

Among the weakness, the report highlighted was poor infrastructure and facilities at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium, which needs more seats since some seats are broken and not yet replaced, which can discourage fans from attending games and negatively impact the revenue.

It also noted unsatisfactory conditions in washrooms facilities at the same stadium.

Another weakness the report affirmed is inadequate stadium maintenance due to the absence of an asset maintenance plan has resulted in safety concerns since air conditioning and ventilation were not working properly.

The report also stated that the water supply and sanitation system needed to operate more satisfactorily.

The report also noted there needs to be adequate safety and security. Insisting proper safety and security measures need to be fixed since the fire detection and alarm system are not operating at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, while the water-based fire protection system is not functioning at Uhuru Stadium.

The report noted, “I attribute these weaknesses to inadequate stadium maintenance, poor management, insufficient funding for maintenance.”

The report added the objective of the maintenance plan is to ensure that assets remain useful for the intended purpose, service delivery and economically utilized to maximize the benefit to the organization.

“I am of view that the ineffective performance of a football stadium can have significant consequences on revenue, fan engagement, and team performance. Addressing the causes and implementing appropriate recommendations can help improve the stadium’s effectiveness and ensure its long-term success.”

Moreover, the report identified an absence of revenue collection data from the Ferry Toll at Magogoni – Kigamboni and Gate collections fee at Benjamini Mkapa Stadium 3.084 bn/-.

“I noted that a sum of 3.084 bn/- was remitted by NIDC as a collection for the financial year 2021/22, whereby; 2.8 bn/- was remitted to TEMESA and 284.14 m/- was remitted to the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.

The report recommends that the TEMESA and the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sport management liaise with NIDC to produce detailed quarterly reports per the agreement.