The Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service says the renovation of the Independence Stadium is expected to commence in September this year.
Finance minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, announced an increased allocation of N$473.2 million for the ministry of sports, for the 2023/24 financial year.
Over N$162.5 million was allocated for the renovation and upgrading of the Independence Stadium in Windhoek over the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework.
In an interview with Nampa recently, sports minister Agnes Tjongarero said bureaucracy in government is what causes the delays in the renovation of the stadium.
“We have to follow these systems, and that process usually kills us, but we are almost close to completing all these processes, and by September, we should be able to advertise and find a contractor for the stadium,” she said.
The minister added that their joint bid with Botswana for the hosting of the 2027 African Nations Cup also caused an interruption with the renovation, but with the bid now off the table, the ministry will focus all its attention on getting the stadium renovated.
“Once we find the lead consultant who will put up the bid, we will start using money allocated to the renovation of the stadium. Our goal is to finish stages one and two already, and then we can start using our stadium,” she said.
Tjongarero stated that the most crucial renovations now would be the piping systems, change rooms, pitch, lighting, and seating area that needs to be covered with bucket seats.
“When we complete this, we can start using the field,” she said, stating that her ministry is also in talks with contractors who will fix the Katutura Youth Complex playing field, netball courts, and basketball courts, but due to the homeless individuals resettled there, they are unable to start the work.
Tjongarero said with regards to regional stadiums, there are no funds available for these stadiums, but the ones they are aware of that are in dire need of assistance, including Kavango West, Opuwo, and Zambezi, will be looked at if funds become available.
“These stadiums need serious assistance. With the Oshakati Independence Stadium, it just needs minor renovations, while the Eenhana Stadium has been idle as contractors have been changing all the time because some contractors do not honour their contractual obligations,” Tjongarero said.
- Nampa