Netumbo threatens sports ministry over stadium ‘lies’

Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who announced in July that the successful bidder for the refurbishment of the Independence Stadium will be announced on 28 August, has publicly criticised the sports ministry for misleading her and has threatened to hold ministerial officials "accountable".Speaking at the official handover of Onawa Police Station and Build Together houses in Oshakati on Friday, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her frustration with the ministry’s inaction, particularly after sports minister Agnes Tjongarero assured her that the renovations would begin on 28 August with the appointment of a contractor, a promise that never came to pass."On August 28th, I asked if I could visit and meet the contractor, but I received no response. Despite this, I’ve been consistently updated and told that progress is being made. I will not accept excuses if things don’t go as planned or as I was informed, and I will hold them accountable if necessary," Nandi-Ndaitwah said.Last week, on 29 August, activist Job Amupanda claimed Nandi-Ndaitwah had lied about the stadium project after a video emerged of her promising in July that the bidder would be announced on 28 August.“If they can make Meekulu [Nandi-Ndaitwah] to lie before elections, what do you think will happen when they get what they want using her?” Amupanda asked on social media. Lost opportunitiesAmupanda’s social media post appears to have prompted Nandi-Ndaitwah’s remarks.On Friday, the vice-president highlighted the ongoing challenges Namibian athletes face, including being forced to compete outside the country due to the lack of a proper stadium at home."We cannot lie to the nation. As leaders, we must not be put in a position where we deceive the people who trust us. We must build and maintain confidence among our citizens," she stressed.The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has been compelled to spend millions on hosting national teams’ home games abroad since 2020, due to Independence Stadium having been deemed unfit to host international matches.As a result, teams play without a home crowd, while business opportunities that usually come with hosting matches locally have also been lost.Procurement hurdlesIn response to the situation, N$50 million was allocated during the 2022–23 financial year to renovate Independence Stadium to meet international standards.Finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi announced an additional N$37.5 million for this financial year during last year’s midterm budget review. Government also committed N$60 million and N$65 million for the project in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 medium-term expenditure frameworks, respectively.Built before independence, Independence Stadium has undergone only two renovations. Its outdated and deteriorating state has drawn widespread criticism from both sports fans and players alike.In June, Tjongarero expressed her disappointment over the prolonged delays in the stadium's renovation, citing issues with the procurement process as a major hindrance."The ministry is disappointed that it is taking so long to start the renovation process," she was quoted by the Windhoek Observer.The project, originally slated to begin last September, has seen more than ten months of inactivity.‘Regrets the inconvenience’Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, sports ministry executive director Erastus Haitengela said the ministry has taken note of Nandi-Ndaitwah's remarks and we will comply as directed."We have also taken note of the public's frustrations with the current situation of Independence Stadium. The ministry is working hard [and] around the clock to finalise the appointment of a lead consultant despite the procurement process challenges we have been facing, which have resulted in these unfortunate delays,” he said.“As you might be aware, the new Procurement Act 2015 (as amended) 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," he said."The ministry regrets the inconvenience caused by this delay," Haitengela added.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Netumbo threatens sports ministry over stadium ‘lies’

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-23

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Netumbo threatens sports ministry over stadium ‘lies’

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-23

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