A source has revealed that the sports ministry has put pen to paper to lease a new building for N$1 million per month over the next three years, despite internal opposition.
In the process, tender procedures and processes were allegedly flouted to pave the way for the deal, insiders say.
The building, which is currently undergoing minor renovations, is situated along Independence Avenue in Windhoek.
It was intended to be a hotel, this publication has further been informed.
It is reportedly owned by property mogul and northern businessman Erastus ‘Chicco’ Shapumba.
Sport's executive director Mbumba Haitengela exclusively addressed questions surrounding the new developments, but declined to disclose how much they will be paying.
“For a long time, we were searching for a building to rent which suits our needs. We could not find anything. But I need to emphasise the need for centralised operations to enhance control and foster a more productive working environment.
“The staff members are scattered. Sometimes when you are looking for people, their offices are closed, and they are nowhere to be found. This hinders the process of supervising these staff members and delivering service.
“Consolidating all sectors under one roof is expected to improve efficiency and accountability,” said Haitengela.
Concerns, however, have arisen about the building’s capacity to house all staff members adequately and its less-than-ideal location for youth and sports organisations due to the high parking fees and insufficient bus parking space in the central business district.
Yesterday, Shapumba did not pick up calls or respond to a text message sent to him to confirm the figure he is being paid.
The ministry currently operates from the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), located at the government office park.
With additional staff located at Katutura Community Art Centre, the ministry currently pays around N$180 000 per month in rent for the offices at NIDA.
Moving into the new building would mean the ministry, which has lamented underfunding over the years, will be forking out an additional N$820 000 monthly.
Haitengela reiterated that even though individuals might take issue with the ministry moving house, they are doing it to improve service delivery.
“For years, the ministry has been treated like orphans and this has stripped them of their identity. We are only recognised when it’s time for competitions – when athletes have won something or when there are trips.
“Despite concerns, the move aims to elevate service delivery and provide better facilities. We want to make sure that young people can visit the building, as there will be facilities where they can use free Wi-Fi and printing services, among other things,” he said.
Unfriendly
Haitengela further highlighted the inadequacies of their current premises at the NIDA building, citing issues like limited toilets and poor ventilation.
He said there are two toilets on their floor.
“When we have meetings, people queue up at times to use the toilets. At times, the ladies use the men’s toilet. There are no windows on the floor. Sometimes after someone uses the toilets, the stench hangs in the air, as there are no windows to serve as an outlet,” he said.
The technocrat continued driving the point home: “The current building at NIDA is not conducive for operations. If you walk through the corridors after someone has used the toilet, you will think the person has eaten crocodile meat”.
When asked if their new location would disadvantage most young people who are unemployed and live in areas such as Katutura, Haitengela said the ministry is indiscriminate, as it serves everyone.
He said there are also young people living in areas such as Kleine Kuppe who also need their services.
Haitengela assured their services will cater to all youth, underscoring their commitment to serving the community.
– lmupetami@nepc.com.na
Captions:
Haitengela 1 jpg - No other location… The executive director of sports, Mbumba Haitengela.
Photo: Limba Mupetami