Aranos: The Hardap Region this week launched the construction of two basic sports facilities in Aranos and Rehoboth, with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture allocating N.dollars 10 million for the project. The creation of the facilities is intended to promote youth development and community sport. According to Namibia Press Agency, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aranos facility took place on Tuesday, followed by a similar ceremony in Rehoboth on Wednesday. Each town has been allocated N.dollars 5 million for the construction activities. Speaking at the Aranos ceremony, Hardap Governor Riaan McNab said the project marks the beginning of an initiative that will not only provide infrastructure but also create opportunities for young people in the community. 'This project speaks directly to the priority of developing sports in Namibia. Sports infrastructure is critical for identifying and nurturing talent, professionalising sport, and ensuring that young Namibians can pa rticipate in organised sporting activities,' McNab said. He emphasized that sport is a powerful instrument for nation building, social cohesion, and healthy living, while also instilling values such as teamwork, commitment, and discipline among young people. McNab added that the initiative aligns with the youth empowerment agenda of the eighth Administration under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, which seeks to place young people at the centre of national development. At Rehoboth on Wednesday, McNab stated that the government has committed to constructing basic sports facilities in each of Namibia's 121 constituencies. 'Sport is more than a game. It teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience while uniting communities and building national pride,' he said. McNab also cautioned that social challenges such as drug and alcohol abuse continue to threaten the future of many young people, adding that sports facilities can help provide positive alternatives. 'These facilities are not just fields and courts; the y are spaces where young people can find purpose and channel their energy into constructive activities,' he said. Meanwhile, Hitekalute Vaeta of the Roads Contractor Company (RCC), speaking on behalf of chief executive officer Dasius Nelumbu, said the company is honoured to serve as the main contractor for the project. He mentioned that the construction phase is expected to create about 45 jobs, with local contractors and SMEs to be involved. 'We will prioritise the people of the Hardap Region and ensure that work that can be done without machines is carried out by members of the community,' he said, adding that RCC is committed to delivering the project on time and within budget.