Niël Terblanché
The residents of Otjimbingwe will no longer have to travel long distances to access mortuary services following the inauguration of the first mortuary at the Otjimbingwe Clinic on Wednesday.
The facility, made possible through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, was officially opened by Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula.
During the inauguration, Shangula acknowledged the challenges the community has faced due to the absence of local mortuary services.
“The nearest mortuary services were only available at Usakos and Karibib, forcing families to travel long distances in times of grief. This necessity imposed both emotional and economic burdens on already vulnerable families,” he said.
The Otjimbingwe Clinic, which serves about 4,000 residents, is staffed by three registered nurses, two enrolled nurses, and an administrative officer.
Their services are supplemented by outreach teams from the Usakos District Hospital, providing care for chronic conditions, dental services, and rehabilitation.
The new facility comes with an incinerator for medical waste disposal and a standby generator to maintain an uninterrupted power supply.
According to Shangula, the incinerator will ensure proper waste management at the clinic, reducing the risk of infections and improving safety for healthcare workers and the wider community.
“Our dedicated staff can work with peace of mind, knowing that their workplace is safe and compliant with health and environmental regulations,” he said.
He added that the generator will also improve service delivery by preventing power outages from disrupting critical healthcare functions.
“With a reliable standby power source, our staff can provide continuous and effective care during emergencies, ensuring quick responses and stabilisation before necessary transfers,” he said.
Shangula urged the private sector to continue investing in community health infrastructure, stating that corporate social responsibility plays a crucial role in bridging service gaps in underserved areas.
He also called on community members to take ownership of the new facility and work with health workers to preserve it for future generations.
“The new mortuary and incinerator are important assets entrusted to us all. I encourage each of you to actively engage with health workers in taking care of these facilities,” he urged.
QKR Navachab Gold Mine Managing Director George Botshiwe said the project was a response to the community’s identified priorities.
“What we are witnessing here today is the culmination of such engagement, which started way back in 2022. The community of Otjimbingwe had a list of development needs and the establishment of a mortuary topped this list. And so the decision to support this project to the tune of almost N$ 4.5 million was made,” he said.
Botshiwe added that the company aims to make a lasting impact in the communities where it operates.
“We want to leave a lasting impact on our communities. I want to also assure you of our continued support towards broad-based community endeavours identified by the communities themselves,” he said.
He said QJR Navachab Gold Mine’s community development projects include investment education, health, electricity infrastructure, entrepreneurial development and social development.
