18 months to build four new hospitals - govt

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao have committed to an ambitious 18-month timeline for the construction of four new hospitals in Ondangwa, Nkurenkuru and Havana in Windhoek in addition to the long-promised Otjiwarongo referral hospital.

During a site visit to the proposed building site in Otjiwarongo over the weekend, Ngurare stressed that funding is available and there is no justification for delays.

“If there was no money, I would understand, but in this case, funds are available,” he said.

The latest commitment comes against the backdrop of years of delays in Otjiwarongo, where the proposed N$720 million, 250-bed referral hospital has stalled since it was first announced in 2014.

Plans for the facility spans approximately 20 hectares and will accommodate a modern hospital, a dedicated tuberculosis ward, staff housing and a mental health facility. To expedite implementation, Ngurare called for site clearance to proceed concurrently with the finalisation of engineering specifications, supported by regular inspections to monitor progress.

The visit to the earmarked site showed that apart from a concrete perimeter structure, the area inside remained largely covered in bush, with no visible foundations or construction of the hospital itself.

The facility was intended to strengthen referral healthcare services in the region and ease pressure on Otjiwarongo State Hospital, which continues to serve patients referred from surrounding areas.

Government development plans had previously targeted March 2026 for completion.

Begin without delay

During Sunday's visit, Ngurare called for the Otjiwarongo project to move forward without unnecessary delays, proposing that site clearance proceed alongside the finalisation of engineering specifications. He also called for regular inspections to monitor progress and urged closer cooperation between the health ministry and local municipal authorities.

He called for close collaboration between the health ministry and local municipal authorities and encouraged community participation, particularly among unemployed youth, through structured “food for cash” and “cash for work” programmes.

Stakeholders agreed to meet again shortly to address outstanding requirements before contractors are engaged, with engagement targeted for early January 2027. The prime minister also pledged continued oversight to ensure that appointed contractors deliver quality healthcare facilities on schedule and within budget.

[email protected]