The Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlene Mbakera, has called for the construction of a referral hospital in Otjiwarongo. 
 
Mbakera was speaking during the National Planning Commission's visit to the Otjozondjupa Region.

Mbakera says Otjiwarongo has never been without good plans, but rather, its challenge lies in the execution of such plans. 

She spoke with regards to a referral hospital planned for Otjiwarongo, which has been featured in the expenditure framework for the past seven years now. 

To date, the only work to show for the project is the yard fencing, though no actual construction has yet begun.

The fence has since been vandalised, and thus, before any construction can begin, that has to be redone. That expenditure will have to come from the same budget allocation. 

Mbakera also spoke on the importance of ensuring that standing buildings are renovated, noting that the focus cannot only be on the construction of new ones.