The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has commended the contractor for the Ombili clinic in Otjiwarongo, which was completed two months ahead of time.

The construction of the Ombili clinic began in April this year and was due to be completed in November.

Two months before that, the clinic was completed and ready to serve the residents. 

"I recall a few months ago I had to inaugurate a clinic that was started in 2014 and only completed in 2023, and that is not an isolated incident. We have several of them—clinics, hospitals, and many other projects—that drag on and on and on such that at times we are forced to change the contractors," said Dr. Kalumbi Shangula. 

Ombili residents previously relied on a health post in two containers, which served close to 19,700 residents.

The new facility will provide screening and treatment of minor ailments and an expanded programme on immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, dental, pharmaceutical, HIV, and TB services.

"This clinic comes at an opportune time to shorten the distance of the needs of the citizens in terms of waking up and going to the Orvetoveni clinic or eventually going to the district facility. This also talks to the mantra and commitment of the government to ensure that healthcare is decentralised and, of course, equitable access to healthcare is prioritised," said Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua.

The construction of the clinic was funded by B2Gold Namibia for N$6 million.

The beds and the trollies used by the Ombili clinic are provided by the ministry.