Rundu slammed for donating land to NFA
Rundu residents have voiced frustration over the Rundu Town Council's decision to donate 93 717 square metres of land to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) for a sports facility, while local organisations face soaring land costs and the slow delivery of municipal services.
A source within the council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, questioned why the NFA is receiving this land for free when local sports groups - including a reputable regional academy - are expected to pay N$14 million for a similar plot.
“The academy has government backing, a proven track record in sports and offers more community value than a single football field. The NFA lacks the funds to complete this project. Their Windhoek field remains in poor condition. So, when will this stadium even materialise?”
The source argued that selling the land to the local academy would provide much-needed revenue for the council and further sports development in the region.
“This group initiated the land application, but it has been delayed due to a cost of N$160 per square metre, totalling N$14 837 920, for land located outside of town with no services or roads nearby. Even gazetted prices for serviced land are not this high. The group invested in designs and spent substantial amounts to reach this stage, only for the council to hand over the land for free to the NFA. There’s something suspicious about this deal,” they said.
Unrealistic
Another resident highlighted inconsistencies in the council’s pricing, noting that unserviced land costing local applicants N$14 million is being transferred at no cost to the NFA.
“Claims that the NFA will host international matches here are unrealistic. Basic services like water and electricity are unreliable. The NFA's annual budget is only N$37.5 million, and a stadium costs billions.”
The land transfer to the NFA was made through Rundu Town Council’s resolution SCM 005/27/06/2024 by private treaty, with a public objection deadline set for 30 October.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer last week, NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata confirmed that the association engaged the council for land to establish a sports complex, which will include a stadium and administrative offices.
"We aim to create a facility that meets FIFA standards, allowing us to host local and international matches," he said, adding that construction will begin once funding is secured from FIFA and local sources.
“Right now, our national teams are playing outside the country. We would like to see a situation where we are spoiled for choice in terms of hosting international matches in Namibia,” he said.
He added that although he believes it is uncommon for football associations to own stadiums, the high demand for facilities has prompted the NFA to consider doing so.
'Working tirelessly'
Vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah publicly reprimanded the sports ministry over stalled renovations at Independence Stadium.
In July, she announced that a contractor would be appointed by 28 August, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.
At a recent event, Nandi-Ndaitwah said she asked to meet the contractor, but received no response. "I’ve been assured of progress, yet if these promises aren’t met, I’ll hold those responsible accountable,” she said.
Activist Job Amupanda echoed public frustration, alleging that Nandi-Ndaitwah had been misled about the project.
Meanwhile, the sports ministry’s executive director Erastus Haitengela attributed delays to procurement challenges."We have also taken note of the public's frustrations with the current situation of Independence Stadium. The ministry is working hard around the clock to finalise the appointment of a lead consultant,” he said.
“As you might be aware, the new Procurement Act is very prescriptive when it comes to the implementation of its provisions. All the necessary steps need to be followed. Any missteps might result in the cancellation of the whole process again. Therefore, it was very important to ensure that we consult all the relevant stakeholders to help the ministry prepare the bidding document correctly. The ministry regrets the inconvenience these delays have caused and is working tirelessly to resolve this,” Haitengela said.
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A source within the council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, questioned why the NFA is receiving this land for free when local sports groups - including a reputable regional academy - are expected to pay N$14 million for a similar plot.
“The academy has government backing, a proven track record in sports and offers more community value than a single football field. The NFA lacks the funds to complete this project. Their Windhoek field remains in poor condition. So, when will this stadium even materialise?”
The source argued that selling the land to the local academy would provide much-needed revenue for the council and further sports development in the region.
“This group initiated the land application, but it has been delayed due to a cost of N$160 per square metre, totalling N$14 837 920, for land located outside of town with no services or roads nearby. Even gazetted prices for serviced land are not this high. The group invested in designs and spent substantial amounts to reach this stage, only for the council to hand over the land for free to the NFA. There’s something suspicious about this deal,” they said.
Unrealistic
Another resident highlighted inconsistencies in the council’s pricing, noting that unserviced land costing local applicants N$14 million is being transferred at no cost to the NFA.
“Claims that the NFA will host international matches here are unrealistic. Basic services like water and electricity are unreliable. The NFA's annual budget is only N$37.5 million, and a stadium costs billions.”
The land transfer to the NFA was made through Rundu Town Council’s resolution SCM 005/27/06/2024 by private treaty, with a public objection deadline set for 30 October.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer last week, NFA spokesperson Isack Hamata confirmed that the association engaged the council for land to establish a sports complex, which will include a stadium and administrative offices.
"We aim to create a facility that meets FIFA standards, allowing us to host local and international matches," he said, adding that construction will begin once funding is secured from FIFA and local sources.
“Right now, our national teams are playing outside the country. We would like to see a situation where we are spoiled for choice in terms of hosting international matches in Namibia,” he said.
He added that although he believes it is uncommon for football associations to own stadiums, the high demand for facilities has prompted the NFA to consider doing so.
'Working tirelessly'
Vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah publicly reprimanded the sports ministry over stalled renovations at Independence Stadium.
In July, she announced that a contractor would be appointed by 28 August, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.
At a recent event, Nandi-Ndaitwah said she asked to meet the contractor, but received no response. "I’ve been assured of progress, yet if these promises aren’t met, I’ll hold those responsible accountable,” she said.
Activist Job Amupanda echoed public frustration, alleging that Nandi-Ndaitwah had been misled about the project.
Meanwhile, the sports ministry’s executive director Erastus Haitengela attributed delays to procurement challenges."We have also taken note of the public's frustrations with the current situation of Independence Stadium. The ministry is working hard around the clock to finalise the appointment of a lead consultant,” he said.
“As you might be aware, the new Procurement Act is very prescriptive when it comes to the implementation of its provisions. All the necessary steps need to be followed. Any missteps might result in the cancellation of the whole process again. Therefore, it was very important to ensure that we consult all the relevant stakeholders to help the ministry prepare the bidding document correctly. The ministry regrets the inconvenience these delays have caused and is working tirelessly to resolve this,” Haitengela said.
[email protected]
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