The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health, and Social Welfare has noted an insufficient transport system and a shortage of health staff in the Zambezi Region.

Its chairperson, Nono Katjingisiua, said the community still walk long distances to access health services.

Although the committee expressed satisfaction with the number of additional clinics constructed by the government in different parts of the region, the shortage of staff still hinders adequate service delivery.

Katjingisiua said it is worrisome that some clinics, like at Kaenda, have no cleaner.

Another issue that the committee believes needs immediate attention is the referral from Katima Mulilo District Hospital to Rundu.

"The shortage of equipment is also important. I cannot mention names, but as we were walking around, we could see that there are a lot of things to be done. But really, I must also praise the government; more things were done, and more clinics were renovated than in other regions. Although it's not perfect, it's still superior to other regions."

Another observation made by the committee is that, despite the existence of a mortuary at Kaenda, the facility is not operational because it lacks a dedicated doctor to certify deaths.

All deaths are declared at Katima Mulilo.

The committee has called for the provision of a doctor at the establishment. The shortage of medicines in the clinics was also observed.

On the other hand, the renovation of a clinic at Sachona started in September 2004 and was supposed to be completed by April this year, but construction remains incomplete. 

The committee is concerned about the lack of supervision for the capital projects and the withholding of information from the village development committee and other leaders within the areas of such projects. 

More than 300 people who are supposed to be served in the facility are left to be treated in a tent with no privacy.