The Ministry of Sports, Youth, and National Service has responded to Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah regarding the delays in the construction of the Independence Stadium.

In a statement, the ministry says that despite procurement challenges that resulted in the delays, it is working around the clock to finalise the appointment of a head consultant.

The statement further reads that the new Public Procurement Act requires that all necessary processes are followed and that any missteps might result in the cancellation of the entire procurement process.

The ministry stated that it is important to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are consulted to help them prepare the bidding documents correctly.

Last week, Nandi-Ndaitwah criticised the Minister of Sport, Agnes Tjongarero, for failing to start renovating the Independence Stadium.

The VP said Tjongarero committed in writing that renovations would commence on 28 August with the appointment of a contractor, but that promise was not honoured.

Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her disappointment during the official handover of Onawa Police Station and Build Together houses at Onawa informal settlement at Oshakati on Friday.