Govt considers partnership for delayed Nkurenkuru hospital

The health ministry said there are considerations to pursue the construction of the Nkurenkuru hospital project under a public–private partnership model.The former president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital in 2014. According to the health ministry, the government cancelled the initial contractor's contract in 2019 due to non-performance, and a new contractor was brought in to complete the clinic. The district hospital is meant to serve thousands of Kavango West residents, many of whom still travel long distances to access basic and emergency healthcare services. The ministry said the tender for the construction was awarded, but the clinic had to be moved to a different plot to prevent congestion in the future hospital's outpatient department. So far, the ministry said a fence has been constructed, and boreholes have already been drilled at the new site.“The budgeted amount was therefore utilised for this purpose,” it said, adding that there are ongoing consultations with the finance regarding pursuing a PPP model. The ministry said it would continue strengthening current facilities through improved equipment, supplies, staff, outreach, and infrastructure upgrades.A Namibian Sun investigation published in 2023 revealed that the infrastructure had been vandalised despite nearly N$6 million spent on fencing the site.The former health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, who visited the site in 2019, highlighted the deterioration and lack of progress. Community loses hopeIn February, a local newspaper quoted Kapako constituency councillor Johannes Karondo lamenting the lack of healthcare infrastructure. “Some residents walk up to 30 kilometres to reach a clinic. Not a single health facility has been built here since I took office in 2016,” he said. Kapako currently has only four facilities serving nearly 28,000 people, making it the most underserved constituency in the region, according to the 2023 census. Some Nkurenkuru residents expressed frustration over the clinic's delay.Pensioner Rosalia Kandonga said: “They promised us a hospital, but all we have is a broken fence and empty land." Another resident, taxi driver Moses Kamonga, said: “When someone gets sick at night, there’s nothing here – we either drive to Rundu or just pray. We feel abandoned.”

Govt considers partnership for delayed Nkurenkuru hospital

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-15

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Govt considers partnership for delayed Nkurenkuru hospital

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-15

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