Maria David
THE much-anticipated state-of-the-art sports facility set to be established in Ondangwa is soon to be a reality after Minister of Sports, Youth and National Service Agnes Tjongarero broke ground on the construction work on Friday.
The construction, costing about N$60 million, will be completed over a period of five years.
The Northern Namibia High Performance Sports Centre (NNHPSC) is designed to attract both local and international athletes from Southern Africa and beyond. It will focus on the development and performance enhancement of athletes across various sports, including soccer and track and field events.
Tjongarero said the dream of building a state-of-the-art sports stadium has been a long-cherished vision for many. She indicated that the stadium will serve as a beacon of hope, a hub of activity, and a cornerstone for the development of sports in the region.
“The construction of this stadium is just the beginning. Together, we will ensure that it becomes a vibrant, thriving centre for sports and community activities,” she said.
She added that the Ondangwa Sports Stadium is a project that belongs to everyone and will stand as a testament to their collective commitment to the growth and prosperity of Ondangwa.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni indicated that initiatives of this nature not only promote economic development and healthy lifestyles but also act as a catalyst for social cohesion.
He explained that sport is a universal language, understood by many, and known to be the greatest unifier.
He then encouraged local authorities to continue focusing on infrastructure-building programs within their communities.
Uutoni added that in order to promote sports disciplines that have been sidelined, it remains a collective effort of central government, regional councils, local authorities, and the private sector to help build and maintain sports facilities in their respective localities.
