The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service executive director Erastus Haitengela has confirmed the selection of Marley Tjitjo Architects to lead the feasibility study of the Independence Stadium renovation project. 

According to Haitengela, the public procurement contract stated that the firm was chosen to handle a feasibility study, design, tender documentation, contract administration, as well as site supervision for the stadium’s upgrades to meet the Confederation of African Football regulations.

The architectural firm will be paid approximately N$802 000 for its services, revealed a procurement notice signed by Haitengela.

Yesterday, the ministry indefinitely postponed a press conference in Windhoek, which was meant to announce the start of renovations at the Independence Stadium.

The scheduled event was attended by journalists and some stakeholders. Acting executive director Nicolas Tembwe did not provide a reason for the postponement, saying he was not authorised to speak to the media on the matter. In August this year, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah publicly criticised the ministry for not initiating the renovations.  

She said she was initially told that the project would begin on 28 August but upon following up, there had been no progress.

She expressed frustration with the lack of transparency, stressing that leaders should not lie to the nation as it undermines trust.

 “I will not allow them to continue lying. I will not let it go. I will be on them – and if necessary, someone must be held accountable,” she asserted. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na