Rose-Mary Haufiku

The Okahandja state mortuary has been out of order since January, a situation that has forced grieving families to resort to private undertakers, which they claim is costing them a fortune. 

In response to complaints from Okahandja residents about expensive private undertakers, governor of the Otjozondjupa region James Uerikua said private undertakers do not charge for Covid-19-related and Covid-19-unrelated bodies to be kept in their mortuaries at the moment but this only applies when the deceased’s family decides to use the same undertaker for burial services.

Uerikua claimed he was unaware of the Okahandja mortuary situation because no one had informed him, and that it was only after enquiring that he learned the councillor for Okahandja constituency had been in close contact with the ministry of works and the regional health director about the situation.

“My office will seriously take the matter up with relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt response and correction. All stakeholders need to take their responsibilities seriously and whoever is in charge of any activities must at all times ensure effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery,” he said. 

According to Uerikua, the mortuary is non-functional due to a mechanical flaw that developed as a result of ageing – and as a result of wear and tear, it gave in and stopped working.

He also stated the region is working to repair all of the region’s mortuaries and, if necessary, build new ones in areas such as Grootfontein and Okakarara.

“I am strongly looking forward to seeing that the mortuary is fixed and ready to accommodate any needs. The private undertakers equally are duty-bound to meet the government halfway, and it is on that basis we urge the private sector to continue their good and usual support to the government,” said Uerikua. 

He went on to say a cooler container with a capacity of 40 bodies was arranged last year as a result of the Delta variant of Covid-19 that plagued the region.

Upon enquiry, health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe told New Era the ministry only received the compiled bill of quantities last week, and that it will thus proceed with the process of getting a constructor on site to fix the problem with immediate effect.

- rosemaryhaufiku5@gmail.com