No favours in stadium project – Haitengela 

The drawn-out process to get Independence Stadium renovated is marred by issues of tribalism and politicising the matter, says Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service executive director Erastus Haitengela.

In an interview with The Namibian Sport recently, he said the procurement process was “very sensitive” and had to be meticulously done to satisfy the procurement board and avoid being told to again redo the process.

“I am so sorry to say this but there was tribalism at play with some people from certain tribal groups questioning why their companies were not selected, claiming to be from a specific tribe or political party,” Haitengela said.

“Those were stupid things. Some companies have been in the business for 20 years, others for only ten years. Questions were asked why that one and not mine,” he continued.

“I am not here for political favours. I am here to do my job because when I am in this office, I am not a Swapo member. I am a Namibian and they (critics) must look at it that way.”

The sport ministry is making use of the stadium’s audit report from the failed joint-bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by Botswana and Namibia. This will ensure that they meet the standards stipulated by the International Federation of Football Associations and the Confederation of African Football, Haitengela said.

Haitengela said the protracted procurement process is coming to an end, with two companies shortlisted.

“We will in due course look into the financials of the two companies before we make the announcement at the end of this month. We will open up and study the finances of these companies and eventually announce the successful applicant,” said Haitengela.

He added that, given the government’s poor track record of maintaining infrastructure, the best option is to have these facilities managed and maintained through private entities.

To that end, the ministry is keen to work hand in glove with parties who recently announced they will be constructing state-of-the-art sport venues.“Going forward we will look for competent independent bodies for maintenance. The government is good at starting and not maintaining. These are the arrangements we need to make with the different town councils and regional councils in small towns to take care of the facilities,” stressed Haitengela.