Residents of Shamaturu and nearby villages in the Kavango East Region came together on Thursday to celebrate the official opening of a much-awaited clinic, bringing vital healthcare services closer to the community.

The Chairperson of the Kavango East Regional Council and Councillor for Mukwe constituency, Damian Maghambayi, said the clinic is an important milestone, especially for the community. 

Residents did not have adequate access to medical services as the clinic operated from corrugated zinc structures.

"The clinic we are celebrating today did not come easily despite the government's continued efforts to ensure the realisation of this much-anticipated capital project. It is important to acknowledge that this project faced significant challenges, including the abandonment of the first appointed contractor during the early stage of construction."

He thanked the Ministry of Health and Services for having seen the project to completion while acknowledging the media's role in putting a spotlight on the state of the project.

"nbc, we would also like to thank you because Shamaturu Clinic was at all times put in the spotlight on headlines—the abandonment of the project, how people were suffering, including the issue of road infrastructure."

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, said the clinic serves as a beacon of hope, which speaks to easy accessibility to key services.

"In the Andara district, comprising one district hospital and nine clinics, the Shamaturu clinic stands as a pillar of hope for the five thousand residents in its catchment area. Andara district also has 37 outreach points, including 8 outreach points serving the Shamaturu community."

Also speaking at the occasion, Fumu Erwin Munika Mbambo, of the Hambukushu Traditional Authority, asked the ministry to ensure that the clinic is stocked at all times.

The clinic was constructed at a cost of more than N$10 million and consists of storage facilities, a patient room, an incinerator, and consultation rooms, as well as staff accommodation.