On Wednesday this week, finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi announced in Parliament that the sports and youth ministry’s budget would be increased from the N$330.9 million it received in the previous financial year to a much-improved allocation of N$473.2 million for the coming 2023/24 fiscal period.
This increased allocation to the ministry indicates an increment of almost N$142 million, especially when benchmarked against last year’s allotment of N$330.9 million to the ministry.
When one considers the persistent harsh financial and socio-economic conditions being experienced by almost all mainstream sectors of local and global economies, one should really applaud Shiimi for the N$142 million increase towards the country’s sport and youth activities and development programmes.
An increment of N$142 million is no small show of commitment, and it is now up to the ministry and its human agencies to ensure all intended capital projects and crucial development programmes are fully and timeously implemented.
One pressing issue on the ministry’s bucket list is the downgraded Windhoek Independence stadium, which needs urgent renovations and modern upgrading to meet Caf and Fifa standards.
Once fully upgraded and renovated, the stadium will once again be in a position to host the country’s various national teams’ international matches and restore a great measure of pride amongst Namibians, who have been longing to witness first-hand their beloved Brave Warriors play on home turf.
On Wednesday, Shiimi equally provided enough assurance that the Independence stadium will enjoy priority in the coming 2023/24 fiscal year, which will see a total of N$162.5 million going towards the upgrading and full restoration of the stadium over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period.
But as I have always said, it will be of no use for government to direct millions of dollars annually towards these major projects if the human agencies at the ministry do not play their expected role in terms of looking after the facilities and ensuring the athletes reap the benefits of these huge investments.
Unfortunately, the Independence stadium is not the only facility that is in a sorry state, as others, such as the incomplete Eenhana sports complex and many more across the country, are also in need of upgrades to bring them on par with other world-class venues.
However, the Independence stadium is a good start by government, and one can only hope it will mark a first of many more such steps towards bringing the country’s sport facilities to international standards, as that will also position Namibia as one of Africa’s major hosting hubs of international competitions.
Again, Shiimi should be applauded for remembering and acknowledging that there is a need for Namibia to keep up with the ever-evolving international standards and requirements of sport venues, and also the need for us to remain on par with the rest of the world in terms of funding and capacitating.
Until next time, sharp, sharp!!