ONANDJOKWE – Expectant mothers currently waiting to deliver at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Ewalanda have expressed frustration over fellow women who are constantly stealing their belongings.
During a visit to Ewalanda last week, the women mentioned that food, clothes, money, and nappies are always stolen.
Those who spoke to this publication said even their cell phones are not safe.
The waiting ward, which is commonly known as Ewalanda in Oshiwambo, accommodates women who stay far from the hospital to avoid having to travel long distances during uterine contractions.
Otillie Handunge, who is heading Ewalanda, confirmed that her office has consistently received complaints from expectant mothers about their belongings being stolen by other women.
“Imagine an expecting mother stealing from another woman who is also waiting to deliver,” she said.
Handunge stated that last month, an expecting mother came to her office in tears after losing her N$200.
“They are also stealing firewood from others,” she added.
Magdalena Tobias from Otunganga narrated that last week, she brought a bag of firewood to Ewalanda, but it was stolen. “Now, I have to wake up at 07h45 to go and collect firewood from the bushes. It’s not good when people are stealing,” she lamented.
Tobias added that some pregnant women are struggling to survive at Ewalanda.
Another expecting mother, Martha Muhole from Okalumbu village, stated that she recently gave her phone to a woman to make a call. But when the phone was returned, her e-wallet had been withdrawn.
“We need cupboards where we can lock our belongings,” she said.
Meanwhile, the mothers said that they are also facing challenges with cats that frequently step on their beds and disturb their sleep.
“We don’t sleep well. Cats are all over Ewaland, looking for food,” said Diina Heita.
She noted that life is tough in the waiting ward because cats and humans are stealing their food.
Ewalanda is overcrowded with 96 expectant mothers, some of whom sometimes sleep on the floor or outside under trees.