A CALL has been made to the government to fast-track construction of golf courses infrastructure at least in every district in the country.
Lugalo founder General (rtd) George Waitara advised the Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Mohamed Mchengerwa that the construction of courses should be given more attention since it is very beneficial.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the maiden NBC Patron Trophy tournament, Waitara said golf is a good sport that builds morals, discipline and tenacity. It is a family game, but it also has a good chance to promote Tanzania so it should be given the priority it deserves.
Waitara also advised the National Sports Council (NSC) to have a special unit with members who have knowledge of golf to smoothen its operations.
He asked the Minister to also support the availability of local and foreign training for golf experts including certified golf teachers as the country needs them to go along with the development plans.
Waitara said the army has set a good example by building the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Lugalo Golf course in Dar es Salaam and the ongoing construction of the new Ihumwa Course in Dodoma which its foundation stone was laid by the retired Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Venance Mabeyo recently.
He said that the army is doing a wonderful job so others should also come forward as they cannot do it themselves.
“Most of the existing courses were built by foreigners, the army has shown the way, we have succeeded in Lugalo and I congratulate Mabeyo for also starting the construction of the Ihumwa course, once completed it will further improve the status of the country’s capital, Dodoma,” he said.
“Due to the competence of the new CDF Jacob Mkunda, I believe the work will be completed fast and increase the scope of many Tanzanians to participate in the game,” he said.
Waitara, who is also one of the Lugalo’s General group players, said golf is suitable for government and private sector leaders.
However, he said that one of the goals of the construction of the Lugalo course is to provide an opportunity for leaders to find a safe and easy place for them to participate in sports, but it has not yet been fulfilled almost 15 years since its establishment.
He added: “When I was thinking about building the Lugalo course, one of things that stuck in my mind was to see more top officials of the government and its institutions actively participating in sports.
“Lugalo is a good and safe place for every player, I still wonder where the leaders go after work? We wish to see them on the course, we invite you to come and join at Lugalo club.”
