Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the Independence Stadium’s renovation is not delayed due to funds but rather a sluggish implementation.

Shiimi made this statement on Tuesday during the presentation of the mid-year budget review for 2023/24 in the National Assembly. 

The review follows the tabling of the National Budget for 2023/24 on 22 February 2023, themed ‘Economic Revival and Caring for the Poor’.

Shiimi emphasised the need for a collective approach to expedite the upgrade of sports facilities throughout the country.

“The government had allocated an additional N$14.5 million to the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service for various youth empowerment initiatives and youth credit schemes,” he said.

During his presentation, Shiimi dismissed the widespread misconception the government has not prioritised funding for sporting activities while the national team continues to play international matches on foreign soil, saying that N$50 million was availed in the previous financial year (2022/23) for the renovation of the Independence Stadium to meet the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football for hosting international fixtures.

Shiimi further stated that N$37.5 million has been allocated to the Independence Stadium project in the current financial year.

“N$60 million and N$65 million are committed in the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, respectively,” said Shiimi. – Nampa