Construction of the new Otjozondjupa referral state hospital at Otjiwarongo will start this year. The hospital, to be built at a cost of about N$720 million, aims to serve a population of over 28 000 at the town. Health and Social Services Deputy-Minister, Juliet Kavetuna made the announcement during a clean-up campaign Tuesday at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital. Kavetuna said the proposed master plan has been approved and the ministry only waits to enter into a Public Private Partnership with developers. The 20-hectare land project was already allocated in 2014 and will run in three phases, with the first commencing at the start of the new financial year. Kavetuna, who assessed the condition of the current hospital building, said she was pleased despite some reports of dilapidated ward facilities. Otjiwarongo Constituency Councillor Julius Neumbo, who initiated the clean-up campaign, urged residents to join the group as they clean state facilities.