Auleria Wakudumo
ONANGHULO- The partially completed structure housing the anticipated Onanghulo clinic in the Ohangwena region has been deteriorating, with parts of it turning into a termite mound.
From the outside, the clinic appears modern and well-built, but shocking damage is visible inside. A door leading to the men’s toilet has been engulfed by termites, while a wall in another room shows clear signs of deterioration.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the clinic was held on 1 September 2016, with construction expected to have been completed by March 2018.
Ohangwena Control Administrative Officer George Jeremia said the project remains incomplete due to pending connection of electricity from the facility to the Nored power grid, amongst others.
“Once Nored performs the connection, the clinic will be ready for opening.
We acknowledge the fact that we don’t have all the necessary equipment for the clinic as well, but we were prepared to make use of the minimum service for the people,” Jeremia
said.
He explained that the clinic faced significant delays due to non-performance by the initial contractor.
The contractor, LGB Enterprise’s agreement was terminated due to non-performance, and it took time to find another contractor. The second contractor, ID Building, was awarded the tender in February last year and completed the remaining work in January this year.
The Acting Ohangwena Health Director, Festus Kuushomwa noted that Onanghulo is not the only clinic in the region facing such challenges.
He revealed that another facility, the Onamafila clinic, is also partially completed. The clinic is awaiting the procurement of a sewage machine to separate water and solid waste, as well as a booster pump to connect the plumbing system throughout the building.
“The procurement is being handled by the National Procurement Board. Onanghulo clinic is budgeted at an amount of N$10 014 495 while Onamafila PHC clinic is budgeted at N$19 000 000,” Kuushomwa said.
Onanghulo clinic comprises of four consulting rooms, an adolescent counselling room, a delivery room, inpatient rooms, a medicine storage, treatment and testing rooms, a utility room, among other facilities.
Nored’s spokesperson Simon Lukas refuted allegations that the delay in opening Onanghulo clinic was due to the electricity distributor.
He explained that the government’s contractor had not yet applied for a meter or submitted the required certificate of compliance for inspection.
“These two pre-requisite requirements are critical and must be completed before the clinic can be energised,” he explained.
Lukas further stated that Nored remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure the electrification of Namibia continues.