Deep divisions over flagship stadium

Namibia’s Ministry of Sport, Youth & National Service is facing allegations of excluding potential local bidders from the tender process for the lead consultant for the Independence Stadium renovation in Windhoek. The Namibian reports that the consultancy job is estimated to be worth around N$60m ($3.3m). The government reportedly changed the requirements to bid for the tender from N$200 ($11.1m) to N$500 ($27.9m). This is the amount a company had to be worth to qualify as a bidder. The renovation of the stadium, estimated to cost up to N$800m ($44m), has attracted attention, including complaints from Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The lack of upgrades to Independence Stadium has forced the national football team to play abroad for their international games for four years. The Ministry advertised the consultancy tender to design the stadium in September 2023. That bid allegedly attracted many companies, but the process was scrapped. The tender was readvertised for the second time in July this year.

Full report in The Namibian