Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – Rehoboth Town Council, together with regional and national stakeholders, recently marked a milestone in community development with the groundbreaking of a new basic sports facility in Block H.
The 10-hectare project, costing N$5 million, will cater for six sports codes: soccer, athletics, volleyball, netball, tennis and hockey.
It will include a gravel track, ablution facilities and a pavilion with seating for 350 spectators. Construction is expected to create around 45 jobs, with local contractors and small and medium enterprises from Rehoboth and surrounding areas involved in work that does not require heavy machinery. Roads Contractor Company (RCC) is the main contractor, with Hebron Construction and Civil Works as the local subcontractor.
Governor Riaan Charles McNab emphasised the role of sport in unifying communities and fostering youth development.
“Let us build not only facilities but also build our future. Sports is the biggest unifier. Together, we must build hope and a bigger and brighter Namibia,” he said.
Kaptein of the Rehoboth Baster Gemeente Traditional Community Jacky Britz described the project as a long-awaited development for the community.
“We have waited decades for this opportunity. This stadium is for the youth, a place for discipline, teamwork and passion. Let us appreciate it, protect it and manage it well for our children and future generations,” Britz said.
Vice president of the Namibia Football Association Murs Markus welcomed the new development, saying it expands opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent.
Some community members, however, raised concerns about the location.
Sergé ‘Coach Sugar’ Mathew Loock of Awake the Champ Within Sports Academy applauded the project but highlighted sanitation issues near the cemetery.
Residents also questioned why a new facility is being built while a partially constructed stadium from before independence still stands nearby.
The groundbreaking ceremony included deputy mayor Crystal Swarts, Baster Kaptein Jacky Britz, Town Council CEO Ronald Windswaai, councillor Gaob Kawango and RCC executive Hitekalute Vaeta.
– herdmann@nepc.com.na
Photo: Heather Erdmann