Rupara maternity clinic stalls over final N$180 000
The long-overdue Rupara maternity ward in Kavango West remains incomplete, stuck at just 60% progress, with only N$180 000 left from the Development Bank of Namibia’s (DBN) initial N$1 million allocation.
The delay, caused by budget overruns and procurement bottlenecks within the ministry of health, was highlighted during a site visit and closed-door briefing held on Friday between regional and national stakeholders.
Leading the delegation was Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo, joined by health ministry officials and representatives from DBN. The aim was to unlock the remaining funds and ensure the critical project reaches completion.
“This maternity ward is not just bricks and mortar,” Sinimbo said during the visit. “It represents dignity, safe deliveries, and access to proper healthcare for women in our region.”
Situated in the Musese Constituency, the facility was initially set for handover in April 2023. However, progress has stalled, prompting concern from DBN.
“We are nearing the end of our commitment, and yet we cannot tell the public when the ward will be completed,” said Jerome Mutumba, DBN’s head of marketing and corporate communication. “This is becoming a reputational risk. People see DBN’s name on an incomplete project, and we can’t keep explaining delays that are out of our control.”
Mutumba urged the health ministry to fast-track the remaining funding, noting the project is part of DBN’s broader Social Responsibility Programme aimed at improving service delivery in underserved regions such as Kavango West.
The maternity ward was initiated in response to long-standing challenges in maternal and child healthcare in the region. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the hardships faced by expectant mothers, many of whom currently travel long distances — often on poorly maintained gravel roads — to reach delivery services.
“We can’t talk about national development while rural women are still giving birth under trees or in overcrowded district hospitals,” Sinimbo added.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to see the project through. The health ministry has pledged to secure the outstanding funds internally. - [email protected]
The delay, caused by budget overruns and procurement bottlenecks within the ministry of health, was highlighted during a site visit and closed-door briefing held on Friday between regional and national stakeholders.
Leading the delegation was Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo, joined by health ministry officials and representatives from DBN. The aim was to unlock the remaining funds and ensure the critical project reaches completion.
“This maternity ward is not just bricks and mortar,” Sinimbo said during the visit. “It represents dignity, safe deliveries, and access to proper healthcare for women in our region.”
Situated in the Musese Constituency, the facility was initially set for handover in April 2023. However, progress has stalled, prompting concern from DBN.
“We are nearing the end of our commitment, and yet we cannot tell the public when the ward will be completed,” said Jerome Mutumba, DBN’s head of marketing and corporate communication. “This is becoming a reputational risk. People see DBN’s name on an incomplete project, and we can’t keep explaining delays that are out of our control.”
Mutumba urged the health ministry to fast-track the remaining funding, noting the project is part of DBN’s broader Social Responsibility Programme aimed at improving service delivery in underserved regions such as Kavango West.
The maternity ward was initiated in response to long-standing challenges in maternal and child healthcare in the region. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the hardships faced by expectant mothers, many of whom currently travel long distances — often on poorly maintained gravel roads — to reach delivery services.
“We can’t talk about national development while rural women are still giving birth under trees or in overcrowded district hospitals,” Sinimbo added.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to see the project through. The health ministry has pledged to secure the outstanding funds internally. - [email protected]
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