Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has commenced the construction of 28 Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities across 28 constituencies in all 14 regions of the country.
This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Education, Dino Ballotti, who emphasised that this marks a decisive step in strengthening sports infrastructure, promoting youth development, advancing decentralised service delivery, and ensuring equitable regional development so that access to sports facilities is experienced by all Namibians.
“Through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), implementation responsibility for the construction of these facilities has now been formally handed over to the respective Offices of Regional Governors, in line with the directive of Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Namibia. While implementation authority now rests with the regions, MEIYSAC maintains national policy oversight, shall continue to provide technical advisory support, reporting coordination and future budgeting responsibilities under vote 27,” Ballotti said.
To enable immediate implementation, he revealed, the Government has ensured that ring-fenced commercial bank accounts have been opened for all 14 regions. He added that an amount of N$10 million has been deposited into each regional account, and all nominated regional signatories have been duly registered to access and manage the funds in line with approved financial controls.
He added that specific sites have been identified in each region for this implementation cycle. In the Zambezi Region, construction will take place in Bukalo and Sibbinda; in the Erongo Region, at Usakos and Uis; in the Kavango East Region, in Divundu and Mayana; in the Kavango West Region, in Haisisira and Ncamagoro; in the Ohangwena Region, at Okongo and Ohaingu; in the Omusati Region, at Onesi and Otamanzi; in the Omaheke Region, in Otjinene and Tallismanus; in the Kunene Region, at Kamanjab and Okanguati; in the Oshana Region, at Onamutai and Eheke; in the Oshikoto Region, at Onyuulaye and Tsintsabis; in the Otjozondjupa Region, at Otavi and Okandjira; in the Hardap Region, in Aranos and Rehoboth; in the //Kharas Region, in Tses and Karasburg; and in the Khomas Region, at A. Shipena Secondary School and Havana Secondary School.
“Regions have been advised to allocate funds equitably between the two identified constituency sites per region, with flexibility permitted where justified by technical and site-specific requirements. Importantly, regions are legally empowered to proceed with procurement in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2015,” the Deputy Minister added.
To further support effective delivery, Ballotti added that the Ministry has reserved and secured funding for all consultancy-related services, ensuring that technical expertise does not burden regional infrastructure budgets. He confirmed that construction is commencing at sites in Kunene, Oshana and Kavango East, with all other regions to follow in the coming days and weeks.
“Construction is guided by standardised technical designs, while incorporating local conditions and requirements. As part of transparency and public accountability, Regional Governors shall be hosting symbolic ground breaking ceremonies ahead of 21 March 2026, signalling the visible commencement of construction across the country. This achievement reflects what is possible when Ministry, Regional Authorities and Communities work together with urgency and purpose. This is a clear demonstration that Government is delivering on the commitments made, which is directly benefiting young people and communities across the country. Further updates on progress will be communicated as construction advances across all 28 sites,” Ballotti added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture
