WINDHOEK: During the presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review for the 2023/24 fiscal year, Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi clarified that the delayed upgrade of the Independence Stadium is not due to a lack of funds but rather to sluggish execution of the project.

According to NAMPA, following the earlier tabling of the National Budget on 22 February 2023, which was themed ‘Economic Revival and Caring for the Poor.’ He stressed the necessity for a unified effort to accelerate the improvement of sports facilities across the nation.

Shiimi pointed out that the government allocated an additional N.dollars 14.5 million to the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service for youth empowerment initiatives and credit schemes. He dismissed the widespread belief that the government has not given priority to funding for sports activities. Shiimi stated that N.dollars 50 million was allocated in the previous financial year (2022/23) for the renovation of the Independence Stadium to meet the Confederation of African Football’s standards for hosting international events.

For the current financial year, Shiimi announced an allocation of N.dollars 37.5 million for the Independence Stadium project. Additionally, he mentioned that N.dollars 60 million and N.dollars 65 million are earmarked in the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, respectively.