The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has allocated N$10 million to each region nationwide for ongoing sports infrastructure development, particularly the rollout of facilities at the regional and constituency levels.
In a statement, the ministry explained that the government’s sports infrastructure development programme is structured into three interconnected tiers: national stadiums (CAF Category 3), regional stadiums (CAF Category 2), and basic constituency sports facilities. “Each tier serves a distinct purpose within a coordinated national framework aimed at strengthening grassroots participation, talent development and high-performance sport,” read the statement.
In the current financial year, the government has prioritised implementing the Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities programme, with N$140 million allocated for phase one. Of this amount, N$10 million has been distributed equally across all 14 regions. This funding supports the construction of two facilities per region, resulting in 28 facilities nationwide.
“It is important to clarify that these developments are not full-scale stadiums, but basic, multi-purpose community sports facilities designed to expand access to sport infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The facilities form part of a broader long-term plan that links grassroots sport to regional and national infrastructure,” read the statement.
Furthermore, “Implementation of the project has been decentralised to the Offices of the Regional Governors, who are responsible for construction in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. The Ministry retains oversight through policy direction, technical support, monitoring and evaluation, as well as coordination of reporting.”
To maintain consistency and quality, the Ministry has created standardised concept designs to guide implementation nationwide. These designs specify the scope and standards of the facilities but allow for modifications based on local conditions. Appointed technical consultants, such as architects and engineers, further refine these detailed designs.
“The Ministry remains committed to transparent, accountable, and phased infrastructure development aligned with available resources and national priorities. Additional funding avenues for higher-level infrastructure, including regional and national stadiums, continue to be explored,” ended the statement.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na