Annakleta Haikera
Residents of the Mukwe and Rundu Rural constituencies have welcomed the allocation of N$10 million for the construction of two new sports fields, a development expected to create approximately 45 local jobs during the construction phase.
The project was officially launched at a groundbreaking ceremony held in Divundu on Saturday, drawing community members, youth groups, and traditional leaders who described the initiative as a long-overdue investment in grassroots sport.
Kavango East Governor Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka said the construction aims to address the longstanding shortage of proper sports infrastructure in rural areas, where young people often lack safe and suitable facilities to train and compete.
He noted that sport plays a critical role in social development, youth empowerment, and crime prevention, and called on the contractor to ensure quality workmanship, transparency, and timely completion of the project while prioritising local labour.
The Roads Construction Company has been appointed to oversee the construction of the two sports fields in Mukwe and Rundu Rural.
Residents who attended the ceremony expressed optimism that the facilities will open new opportunities for young people and help keep them away from negative activities.
Maria Mukoya, a Divundu resident, said children in the area have for years been forced to play in open sandy spaces without proper goal posts or field markings.
“Our children have been playing in open sandy areas without goal posts or proper markings. This stadium will give them dignity and motivation to take sport seriously,” she said.
Local youth representative Petrus Shaningwa said the project brings hope to aspiring athletes in the region.
“We have talent in Kavango East but no facilities. With these fields, we can host tournaments and even attract scouts. This is a big step for us,” he said.
Community members also welcomed the employment opportunities linked to the project, saying the 45 positions will provide much-needed income for local households.
Traditional leaders in Mukwe urged the contractor to work closely with the community and ensure that local suppliers and labourers benefit from the construction process.
The two sports fields form part of a broader regional plan to expand basic sports infrastructure to all constituencies, with the remaining four expected to be implemented in the next financial year.
In the Rundu Rural Constituency, the construction will be at Mayana village, while in Divundu, it will be situated near the Village Council.
The development comes amid a national drive to strengthen sports facilities across the country following an announcement by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of a plan to upgrade Namibia’s sports infrastructure.
During the launch of the Sixth National Development Plan and the report on her first three months in office, the President revealed that all 14 regions have identified at least one site for the establishment of sport centres of excellence and CAF-standard stadiums.
A total of 16 sites have been confirmed nationwide, with assessments completed for CAF Category 2 and Category 3 stadiums, which will have seating capacities of 10,000 and 30,000, respectively.
She also confirmed that the CAF Category 3 Independence Stadium upgrade is progressing according to plan, with a multi-disciplinary team having submitted a feasibility study in February 2025.
Construction has already started on CAF Category 2 stadiums in Eenhana and Nkurenkuru, while Mariental has been identified as the third site for a new stadium.
annakletah@eaglefm.com.na
