New lease of life for Kuisebmond Stadium
Soccer
The much-anticipated rehabilitation of Kuisebmond Stadium, a key project aimed at ensuring the long-term structural integrity and modernization of the facility, has officially commenced. “The project, with an estimated cost of just under N$3 million, is expected to be completed by April 2025,” said Anita Kaihiva, the public relations officer for the municipality of Walvis Bay.
The site was officially handed over to Vecca Construction on 10 October to kickstart the transformation of the facility.
Long overdue
The news was welcomed with open arms by soccer fans at the coast.
“This is very good news. We are happy and eagerly anticipate our return to where we rightfully belong. I am confident that we will play our home matches for this season there,” commented Temba Nghitaunapo the chairperson of the Kuisebmond based Blue Waters Football Club, who competes in the Namibia Premier Football League.
Nghitaunapo said playing matches at Jan Wilken Stadium came with several disadvantages.
“It was an emergency measure and we had no other option. The move impacted the pockets of the fans who had to travel and we also experienced some safety issues due to the absence of a perimeter fence.”
Structural assessment
Following an extensive structural assessment by the municipality’s technical team, it was determined that significant renovations are required to safeguard the future of the stadium.
“Elemen Consulting Engineers was appointed through a rigorous procurement process and have developed a comprehensive rehabilitation plan based on their detailed structural assessment,” Kaihiva explained.
She highlighted that while the report confirmed that the stadium in Kuisebmond which has been been off-limits for quite some time, is not at immediate risk of collapse. “The report emphasised the importance of remedial action to ensure the stadium remains safe and prevent further deterioration.”
Critical aspects
The engineers evaluated eleven critical aspects of the structural defects, assigning varying ratings that highlighted the need for intervention.
“Key areas of the renovation include reinforcing three of the main stadium frames to enhance their structural stability. The six front columns and two side columns, which have experienced varying degrees of deterioration, will also be reinforced to meet the required building standards,” Kaihiva said.
In addition, the deteriorating roof slabs will be demolished and reconstructed, ensuring a safer and more durable structure. All hand railings will also be replaced with high-quality Grade 316 stainless steel, offering both safety and longevity.
The renovation extends beyond structural repairs, Kaihiva said. “The work includes general building upgrades, such as new bathroom accessories, door locks, kitchen sinks, timber beams above windows, wooden seating planks, refurbished entrance steps, and the revitalisation of the stadium’s floodlight poles.
“A fresh coat of paint will also be applied, giving the facility a clean and modern appearance.”
Previous jobs
The facility has a capacity for 4 000 spectators and was renovated in 2009 at N$3 million.
Records show that N$6 920 932 was allocated for the renovation of the stadium in 2015 and that N$2 592 983 was spent on this cause. Renovations included transforming the pavilion into a VIP sitting facility, plus two additional pavilions.
“Renovations were conducted 11 years ago. Numerous projects were stopped due to Covid-19 and we need an estimated N$2 million for structural repairs to bring Kuisebmond Stadium up to standard. The engineer who was roped in to do the structural assessment, recommended that the columns of the stadium be renovated. In its current state, the stadium poses a safety risk,” Daniel Mouton, the sports officer for the municipality of Walvis Bay, explained in an interview last year.
Consultants were appointed in 2022 and completed their work before the document for the tender (valued at N$3 million) was approved.