Otji hospital still in limbo

Otjiwarongo’s proposed N$720 million referral hospital remains unbuilt 12 years after the project was first announced in 2014. A visit to the earmarked site yesterday found a concrete perimeter structure standing, but inside, the area is largely covered in bush, with no visible foundation or any construction activity.

The 250-bed facility was intended to strengthen referral services 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, while millions of dollars were earmarked for the project and related site works over the years.

Yet, as the deadline has passed, there is still no hospital on the site. It remains unclear whether the project is included in the current budget. The health ministry is yet to respond to questions on the project.

-Phillipus Josef