The community of Otjimbingwe and its surrounding areas have for long faced the emotional and economic hardship of travelling up to 60 kilometres to access mortuary services.

This situation has been placing significant strain on already vulnerable families.

 However, a new development promises to alleviate this challenge.

The Navachab Gold Mine has invested over N$3 million towards the establishment of a much-needed mortuary and medical waste disposal facility at the settlement.

Opening the facility, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, emphasised that the facility would provide a dignified space for the deceased, alongside an incinerator for the safe disposal of medical waste.

Additionally, the facility is equipped with a generator to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

Dr. Shangula said the public health system must offer a full continuum of services, from birth to the day of one's last breath.

For the people of Otjimbingwe and the surrounding communities, the closest mortuary services were previously located in Usakos and Karibib.

"These facilities represent not only a significant investment in our community's wellbeing but also a testament to the trust placed in us to manage them diligently. By ensuring their proper maintenance and operation, we uphold the dignity and respect deserved by our departed, safeguard the health of our community through proper waste management, and set a standard for high quality service at all times."

Dr. Shangula also praised the partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, calling it a model of successful collaboration.

He expressed his appreciation for the support from traditional authorities, who have played a vital role in advancing health initiatives in the area.

The Managing Director of Navachab Gold Mine, George Botshiwe, expressed his confidence that the community of Otjimbingwe is appreciative that the journey to burying their loved ones starts with dignity because of the existence of a mortuary.

"We mine a finite resource, and we want to leave a lasting impact on our communities. I, therefore, want to assure you of our continued support towards broad-based community endeavours identified by the communities themselves. Our track record speaks for itself. Our community development projects include investment education, health, electricity infrastructure, entrepreneurial development, and social development."

Otjimbingwe is home to approximately 4,000 inhabitants.