The Ministry of Health and Social Services is collaborating with its developmental partners to raise the standard of the healthcare systems in the Oshikoto Region.

The ministry is constructing a 90-bed capacity maternity ward at Onandjokwe District Hospital for N$59 million.

The project will contribute to quality healthcare delivery and reduce maternal deaths.

N$1.8 million is also budgeted for the renovation of the theatre interior at Onandjokwe Hospital, and once completed, it will minimise patient referrals to Oshakati and Windhoek.

"The construction of a water reservoir at Omuthiya Hospital is also completed. The aim is to ease water supply disruptions for hospitals when the main NamWater supply is disconnected," said Oshikoto Governor Penda Ya Ndakolo. 

The Ministry of Health also completed the renovation of the Omuntele clinic.

It is further constructing septic tanks at Onkumbula, Onyuulaye, and Onakazizi clinics to improve sanitation and hygiene.

On education, Ya Ndakolo also touched on the renovation and construction of school infrastructure.

"The Directorate of Education, Arts, and Culture has constructed six large ablution facilities at 8 schools, namely Amupala PS, Onethindi PS, Tsumeb PS, Okangororosa CS, Okankolo CS, and Olukupa PS, and renovated a combined total of 10 classrooms at Onguti, Ekulo, and Okalumbu combined schools."

During the last quarter of the financial year under review, rape cases were reduced by 58%, suicide cases went down by 21%, and stock theft also declined by 53%.

"While this is a positive development, the concern remains that most of the GBV cases, such as rape, are perpetrated against minors by the people who are supposed to actually take care of those children. The perpetrators of GBV are mostly relatives, guardians, and neighbours. This is disturbing."

Ya Ndakolo called for collective efforts to reduce crime through education campaigns in schools and public places.