Chinese Government provides RMB 100 million interest-free loan via ETCA for Phase 1 of Berg Aukas Youth Skills Training Center Construction Project (linked to Record ID#s #31058, #53073, #68444)

Project narrative

In 2009, the Chinese Government provided an RMB 100 million interest-free loan to the Government of Namibia for Phase 1 of the Berg Aukas Youth Skills Training Center Construction Project. This project is also known as Phase 1 of the National Youth Training Center Project. The funds for this project were drawn from an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) signed by the two governments in December 2003 (see Umbrella Record ID#68444). Phase 1 of this project involved the construction of the Berg Aukas Youth Skills Training Center in the town of Rietfontein (Reinfontein) within the Otjozondjupa Region. More specifically, it involved the construction of five workshops, an administration block with a resource center, a kitchen and dining hall, sleeping quarters for 800 trainees, 16 classrooms, 16 staff houses and netball and basketball courts. The Chinese state-owned Panhua (泛华) Construction Group was responsible for implementation of the project. A project feasibility study was undertaken in February 2009. Then, a project design contract was signed on September 8, 2009. A formal groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 26, 2011. Construction for Phase 1 of the project ended in 2015. Phase 2 involved the construction of a workshop, a health clinic, accommodation facilities for 800 trainees, fencing off of infrastructure and a FIFA standard sport stadium with a pavilion. Phase 2 was funded through an RMB 84.89 million grant. These grant funds were drawn (in part) from an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) signed by the two governments on November 18, 2013. Phase 2 began in May 2015 and it was officially completed and handed over to the Namibian authorities on September 13, 2019. The state-of-the-art National Youth Training Center now includes academic buildings, laboratories, workshops, a multi-functional hall, dormitories for teachers and students, canteens, clinics, and sports grounds. The linked Record ID#31058 captures the RMB 84.89 million grant that support this project, and the linked Record ID#53073 captures an additional RMB 7.3 million grant for the provision of furniture and teaching equipment for the Youth Center.