Two months after the ground-breaking and site handover ceremony, the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and National Service has commenced construction of the Nkurenkuru Youth Multipurpose Center.
The Kavango West region lacks proper sports facilities, prompting sports enthusiasts to improvise when preparing for activities.
On the second of March this year, Deputy Minister of Sports, Youth, and National Service Emma Kantema-Gaomas officially handed over the project to Rundu Vocational Training Centre as the subcontractor under NTA.
The project began three weeks ago and is expected to proceed in phases.
Erastus Haitengela executive director in the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service said.
“They proceeded with procuring necessary materials, as you mentioned, and they are now finally on-site. Although there was some delay that concerned us, they have now begun levelling the ground. The first phase consists of two components: clearing and bushing, and we are now commencing feasibility studies, documentation, design, and layout. This means we are currently engaged in the documentation while physical work is ongoing. We hope to complete this first phase by the end of this year, by December 31st”.
Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the project will establish the foundation for a sports complex.
During the ground-breaking, it was announced that the ministry had allocated N$10,000,000 for Phase 1A in the 2023/2024 financial year, covering feasibility studies, design, documentation, and layout.
The project is scheduled to continue until 2027 to establish a fully-fledged multipurpose youth resource center.
While Kotekeni Willem, Chairperson of the Kavango West Youth Forum, visited to observe the progress.
“It truly makes me happy, despite the time taken. We must commend the government for fulfilling its promises to the populace, especially the youth, prioritizing activities aimed at improving their livelihoods” Kotekeni said.
In addition to Kavango West, the ministry is currently engaged in similar projects in Enana and Omuthia, with Otjiwarongo, Opuwo, and Keetmanshoop to follow suit.