The government has announced it will start building and renovating seven Confederation of African Football (CAF) category three stadiums in various regions, with of a capacity of 30 000 seats each, this financial year.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced this during her maiden state of the nation address in the National Assembly on Thursday.
“To give effect to our agenda, the construction of sport facilities will commence during this financial year,” she said.
The president said the stadiums will be built and renovated at Oshakati in the Oshana region, Rundu in the Kavango East region, Independence Stadium in the Khomas region, Outapi in the Omusati region, Swakopmund in the Erongo region, Eenhana in rhe Ohangwena region, and Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region.
Multi-purpose youth centres will also be set up at Mariental in the Hardap region, Nkurenkuru in the Kavango West region, and Opuwo in the Kunene region.
Six category 2 stadiums with a capacity of 10 000 seats each will be built at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region, Mariental in the Hardap region, Gobabis in the Omaheke region, Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region, Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region, and Nkurenkuru in the Kavango West region.
Meanwhile, about N$200 million has been allocated to basic sport facilities in the constituencies.
“The sport industry is a major part of the global economy. We should move away from looking at sport only as recreation and entertainment, and regard it as an avenue that should be harnessed to create sustainable livelihoods and generate wealth, especially for the youth,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
