Budgetary allocations for Lüderitz State Hospital not utilised

None of the capital projects earmarked for Lüderitz State Hospital under the developmental budget for the 2021/22 to 2023/24 financial years have been implemented.This was revealed during an oversight visit by the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare, MP Nono Katjingisiua. She was accompanied by fellow members of parliament Tuulikki Abraham and Vetaruhe Kandorozu..The committee's regional inspection began on 21 July and covers capital projects in the Hardap, //Kharas, and Omaheke regions.In Lüderitz, Katjingisiua informed local officials and hospital staff that N$15 million had been allocated for three key interventions: replacing the hospital roof, expanding the theatre, and renovating the X-ray room. She requested an update on the implementation status. Management newly appointedJustice Shikolalye, a senior administrative officer at the hospital, confirmed that none of the planned projects had been carried out. Katjingisiua said the committee expects answers when the next Medium-Term Expenditure Framework is tabled. “If not implemented, we want to know why—whether the project was carried over, and what the reasons are. The committee also expects an update on the maintenance plan for existing buildings,” she said.Shikolalye explained that the current hospital management is newly appointed and lacks information on why the projects stalled. “I’m aware a needs assessment was submitted to the regional office. We continue to use the theatre in its current state, and our equipment is outdated, but we make do. The hospital urgently needs a revamp and expansion. It’s over 50 years old and space is very limited,” he said.He listed several pressing priorities: filling vacant posts, theatre renovation, acquiring new ambulances, building a new clinic in Lüderitz, and procuring industrial laundry and kitchen equipment. “Even one new ambulance would make a difference. Our laundry is sent to Keetmanshoop, which is expensive. We have two ambulances with over 700 000 km each, and they frequently break down. Of our 13 vehicles, only four are operational. Even the fire extinguishers haven’t been serviced since 2022.”The acting senior medical officer, Dr Linda Nail, added: “We have only two doctors, though seven are required.”Committee Continues Oversight MissionFrom Lüderitz, the committee proceeded to Aus for a briefing and inspection at the local clinic, followed by a visit to Bersheba Clinic. On 22 July, they will pay a courtesy call on the Governor of the //Kharas Region, Dawid Gertze, before heading to Keetmanshoop Hospital for further assessment.The mission will then move to the Hardap Region on 23 July for a meeting with Governor Riaan McNab and a visit to Maltahöhe Clinic. The final leg takes place in the Omaheke Region, where the committee will meet Governor Pijoo Nganate on 25 July, followed by site visits to Otjinene Clinic and Gobabis District Hospital. The delegation is expected to return to Windhoek on 26 July.

Budgetary allocations for Lüderitz State Hospital not utilised

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-24

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Budgetary allocations for Lüderitz State Hospital not utilised

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-24

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