Japan's ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, says he is pleased with the progress of the water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions and healthcare capacity projects at Khorixas.
Asazuma visited the Japan-funded projects to assess the progress of the N$8.5 million projects aimed at improving sanitation at schools and hospitals.
At Welwitchia Primary School, renovations of school blocks and replacing of toilets and sewer pipes are near completion.
"It is very impressive for us how our support and contribution are being utilised and functioning well. The partnership between our countries is very important. After the independence of Namibia, the Japanese government has always supported the area for Namibian development, especially the human resources development, basic human needs society, and mainly so we are supporting the education and health of the young children."
In partnership with the Embassy of Japan and UNICEF, cleaning detergents and equipment were also donated to the school.
Khorixas State Hospital received an incubator and a monitor screen for the children's wards and assistance with pharmaceutical equipment.
"The important point is that the health sector, maternal and child health, is one of our focus policies for supporting developing countries. Therefore, in collaboration with this government, the ministry of health and local administration, we devote ourselves to supporting these hospitals, and today I am very happy to see and witness the good renovations and equipment, and actually, so I am very happy to see and witness the newly donated equipment for the delivery of babies."
Recipients of the donated items, learner Miracle Muyandulwa and senior registered nurse Auguste Day, had this to say.
"Your commitment reflects the very essence of UNICEF's global mission of ensuring quality education, health and dignity for every child. As UNICEF reminds us, every child has the right to grow up in a safe and clean environment. Through your generosity, this vision is being transformed into reality for our learners, the future architects of our nation."
"Although we are having challenges with the modernity ward, I can proudly say we have not reported maternal deaths for the past three years. Khorixas Hospital is one of the cleanest hospitals in the region and a very beautiful one."
The hospital, established in 1947, serves a population of over 21 thousand inhabitants.