CoW concern over slow stadium upgrade

… Employees at site reportedly down tools

By Michael Uugwanga

The City of Windhoek (CoW) has raised concern over the slow pace of work at the Sam Nujoma Stadium upgrade, amid reports that employees at the site have downed tools for more than three months over alleged unpaid wages.

The workers are reportedly employed by contractor New Success Investments, which was awarded N$13 million by the City for the first phase of structural and precast repairs at the dilapidated stadium.

The stadium has been banned from hosting international matches since 2021 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The total cost of the full refurbishment is expected to reach about N$60 million.

The site was officially handed over to New Success Investments on October 2, 2025, with the first phase scheduled to run for one year.

Following the structural repairs, additional cosmetic and technical work will be required, including replacing the artificial turf, upgrading floodlights to meet international broadcasting requirements, installing a reliable power generator and modernising media booths, medical facilities and team rooms.

Once completed, the upgrade is expected to allow Namibia’s national teams to play their home matches in the country.

Clubs participating in the CAF Champions League or CAF Confederation Cup could also have the opportunity to host matches at home instead of spending thousands of dollars to play abroad.

Speaking to Confidente about the progress at the stadium, CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya acknowledged the City’s concern over the pace of work.

On the future of New Success Investments as the contractor, Amutenya said the City has a contract with the company that must be fulfilled.

“The City of Windhoek is aware of the concerns regarding the pace of work at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. However, it would be premature for the City to attribute the current status of the works to any particular cause without the necessary verification and assessment.

“The project is being implemented under a contractual arrangement, with the contractor having specific obligations, including the delivery of the works within the agreed contractual period. The City continues to engage with and support the contractor in its efforts to meet these contractual obligations.

“It is important to distinguish between the City’s contractual relationship with the contractor and the contractor’s obligations towards its employees, subcontractors and other parties. Matters relating to the payment of the contractor’s employees are primarily the responsibility of the contractor, in accordance with the applicable contractual and legal requirements.

“The City, for its part, remains committed to meeting its own obligations under the contract. Any concerns regarding performance or compliance are being dealt with through the appropriate contractual and administrative processes,” said Amutenya.

On reports that workers had downed tools over alleged unpaid wages, Amutenya said the City was aware of the claims but had not verified them.

“The City is aware of concerns and reports regarding the alleged non- payment of employees. However, allegations of this nature need to be properly verified before the City can make a definitive statement regarding the circumstances.

“The contractor is responsible for its employment and labour-related obligations. The City expects all contractors working on its projects to comply with the terms of their contracts as well as applicable labour and other legal requirements.

“Where matters arise that have a direct bearing on contractual performance, the City will address them through the mechanisms provided for in the contract,” said Amutenya.

The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027.

However, the reported work stoppage and the onset of the rainy season could put pressure on the project timeline.

Amutenya said the contractor remains bound by the agreed completion date.

“The contractor remains contractually obligated to complete the works within the agreed timeframe. The City is therefore continuing to engage with and support the contractor to ensure that the contractual completion date is achieved.

“At this stage, it would not be appropriate for the City to make a determination that the project will not be completed within the contractual period when the contractor remains bound by its contractual obligations. Should the contractor fail to meet its contractual obligations, the City will take the appropriate steps in accordance with the contract.

“The City can provide the relevant contractual and financial information through the appropriate official channels, subject to the applicable disclosure requirements.

“It is important to distinguish between the contract value, amounts certified for work completed, and actual payments made to the contractor, as these are not necessarily the same. The City would therefore prefer to provide verified financial information rather than risk providing an inaccurate figure,” said Amutenya.

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