Windhoek: The renovation of the Independence Stadium in Windhoek is set to begin once the feasibility study receives full approval from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Gerard Vries, the Executive Director of Sports in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, stated in an interview that the Ministry of Finance (Treasury) has already allocated funds for the upgrading and renovation of several national stadiums. These projects are anticipated to take three to four years to complete.
Vries revealed that a feasibility study of the Independence Stadium has been partially approved by the Ministry of Works and Transport. Full approval is pending the completion of geotechnical studies on four additional erven acquired from the City of Windhoek, which were finalized on July 30, 2025. He noted that it would be unrealistic to expect the facility to be completed within a year.
The project remains on track, with the lead consultant having submitted the second design following comprehensive stakeholder consultations. Vries highlighted that suitable sites for constituency sports facilities have been identified in all constituencies. The verification and auditing of these sites have been jointly completed by the ministry and the Ministry of Works. The Terms of Reference and designs are available, and the procurement of lead consultants and feasibility studies for each site are in progress.
Vries emphasized the steady progress being made across all identified facilities as part of the ministry's long-term infrastructure development plan. He stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, is working diligently to ensure visible progress is soon evident. The project is ongoing, and the current pace is reasonable given the technical requirements involved. Extensive preparatory work has already taken place, including the submission of the second design by the lead consultant, which incorporates feedback from the Directorate of Sport and other key stakeholders.
In March, the Directorate of Sport received over N.dollars 1.3 billion from Treasury. Of this amount, N.dollars 200 million was allocated for constructing Category Two stadiums across the country, N.dollars 200 million for basic sports infrastructure, and N.dollars 50 million for sports leagues. With the new financial year approaching, Vries assured that the directorate would not lose or return unspent funds to Treasury. He confirmed that all allocated funds would be utilized for their intended purposes, with confidence that the funds would not be reallocated as implementation has already gained momentum. The execution rate has improved significantly, and further acceleration is expected as work begins on Independence Stadium and basic constituency sports facilities.