Months of negotiations between Swakopmund Municipality and Dolphin Rugby Club finally came to a conclusion on 31 May when the Town Council approved the proposal that the Tamariskia soccer field be used for rugby games.

Dolphins’ decision to move to the Tamariskia soccer field has been of concern for some time, not only for their management, but also for visiting teams, as their current home at the Vineta field has a cricket pitch on it, making it difficult to erect a barrier for crowd-control.
Speaking in the Council Chambers Swapo Party Councilor Nehemiah Salomon said the decision was taken after the management committee meeting of 16 May 2012. Dolphins are currently last on the log with zero points, but this did not prevent the Town Council from approving their request, Salomon noted in his motivational speech.
“This project was not budgeted for during the 2011/12 or 2012/13 financial year, thus no funds are available to carry it out, however there is a saving of N$336 588.45 dollars on the boundary wall which can be utilised for this purpose, it is therefore important that Council once again assist in this respect to enable Dolphins Club to host these prestigious sport events at their home ground.”
Informanté Sport visited several sports facilities within Swakopmund, including those owned by the municipality, and found that many facilities, such as the basketball court in Tamariskia, have been neglected and abandoned. Salomon says it is the duty of each department within Council to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of all sports facilities at the town.
Jan Groenewaldt chairman of Dolphin Rugby Club, who was not present when the decision was taken, says he is excited to hear about the outcome, adding that he is still waiting for an official letter from the Council. “I didn’t get anything from them yet,” he confirmed.
“Community Development Services should ensure that staffs are pro-active in ensuring that council’s sport fields and facilities comply with required national standards and are maintained to provide high quality service to the public” Salomon added. It is understood that repairs to the current Tamariskia Stadium, which has been closed since January, will cost about N$60 000.