Independence Stadium consultant fee sparks N$337 million controversy
via The Namibian5 min read
A consultant advising the Namibian government on the renovation of Windhoek鈥檚 Independence Stadium is reportedly set to earn approximately N$337 million, which is more than three times the government's budgeted amount for the project. The stadium is slated for upgrades to allow Namibia鈥檚 national football teams to host international matches at home. A feasibility study, dated February 11, 2025, indicates that the lead consultant, Marley Tjitjo Architects, will receive 17.5% of the total estimated project cost of N$2 billion. This translates to N$112 million per year over the three-year renovation period, totaling about N$337 million, including VAT. Industry experts suggest that typical consultancy fees range from 5% to 10%, labeling 17.5% as high. In contrast, former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi stated in 2022 that N$50 million was budgeted for the renovation, while National Planning Commission director Kaire Mbuende mentioned N$100 million per year in January. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture noted in April that it has only N$60 million for the project in the current financial year. Gerard Vries, executive director of sport, youth and national service, disputes the N$330 million figure, stating it is incorrect and does not reflect the actual contractual position. He clarified that professional fees for architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors in Namibia are regulated by law and governed by prescribed tariffs. Vries added that whil
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Elizabeth Shiponeni, acting executive for governance at the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, has had her suspension extended for a third time, eight months after she was initially sent home in October 2025. Her suspension, which was first set to end on February 28 and then May 31, is now extended until July 31. The Namibian understands Shiponeni's suspension is linked to an alleged corruption scheme involving a school food tender, and pharmaceutical and railway deals. Shiponeni stated last month that she is still on suspension but is not permitted to speak to the media. Sources claim she was found not guilty during the disciplinary process following a forensic investigation where her cellphone and laptop were reportedly confiscated. The repeated extensions have raised concerns within the institution regarding the duration of the suspension and the delay in resolving the case. Procurement board spokesperson Johanna Kambala stated that the matter is being handled through an independent process and the CPBN cannot provide further comment at this stage.
Must ReadThe National Energy Fund has been significantly depleted, with only N$200 million to N$300 million remaining, after the government spent N$1.3 billion over two months to subsidize fuel prices. Minister of industry, mines and energy Modestus Amutse stated that the government intervened to keep fuel prices lower than market rates, with N$805 million paid to suppliers in April and N$490 million in May. This heavy spending began in April due to increased international fuel costs. The Fuel and Franchise Association of Namibia Fafa questioned whether the government's temporary fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, a global oil company, would help rebuild the fund. Amutse explained that the government cushioned the impact to ensure the public could afford petroleum products. He also noted that fuel wholesalers charged import premiums, which added to expenditures, and that removing these premiums, averaging N$300 million per month, would save money. The government has introduced a temporary three-month fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, from June to September, while it prepares a permanent bulk petroleum import coordination system. This new system will allow fuel wholesalers to jointly buy fuel through an agreed-upon process. Amutse announced that motorists will pay less at the pump starting tomorrow, with petrol decreasing by N$1 per litre, and diesel 50ppm and diesel 10ppm both falling by N$4 per litre. New Walvis Bay pump prices will be N$22.48 per litre for petrol 95, N$24.26 for
Canadian-owned Ongwe Minerals has secured N$310.5 million to advance gold exploration at its Khorixas and Omatjete projects in Namibia. The company, which conducts mining activities in the Damara Gold Belt, recently completed a dual listing on the Namibia Securities Exchange NSX. According to Ongwe chief executive Dave Underwood, the offering was upsized due to high demand, allowing a significant allocation of shares to Namibian investors at approximately N$18.63 per share. The raised capital will primarily fund expanded exploration efforts at both gold projects. Reverse circulation drilling has begun at Khorixas, while preparations are underway for a diamond drilling campaign at Omatjete, targeting the Manga and Nguni areas, scheduled to start by the end of July. Ongwe Minerals was previously involved in the Twin Hills and Eureka deposits with Osino Resources and the development of the Otjikoto Gold Mine, which is currently operational.