MOST parts of Kavango West have embraced the good rains that have been pouring down lately, but the Tondoro Health Centre had to shut its doors temporarily as the facility was flooded on Wednesday.

Health executive director Ben Nangombe confirmed that the facility was flooded due to a heavy thunderstorm, leaving the waiting area, reception, pharmacy and delivery room waterlogged. 

“In our assessment, the water which flooded the health centre came from a pool that had formed along a nearby gravel road because of inadequate storm water drainage,” he said. 

Nangombe said the ministry is working with the Roads Authority (RA) to put mitigatory measures in place to ensure that the water flowing from the road near the health centre does not overwhelm the facility again. 

“This includes creating channels to divert the storm water from reaching the health centre in future, as well as erecting barrier walls around the waiting areas and alongside the entrance to the health centre to prevent flooding caused by thunderstorms,’’ said the executive director.

The extent of potential damage to the centre, including medical equipment and clinical supplies, has been assessed. No major damage to medical equipment or clinical supplies has been reported, except for a refrigerator in the kitchen, which had a short-circuit due to contact with water. 

“We wish to inform the public that no injuries to patients, staff members or members of the public have been reported as a result of the incident,” Nangombe said. 

The delivery of all health services at the health centre has been restored.

- jmuyamba@nepc.com.na