Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested forensic specialists of the Namibian Police to investigate and determine the cause of the fire the destroyed part of Mondesa Clinic in Swakopmund on Monday night
Walters Kamaya, the health ministry’s spokesperson, said that the actual cause of the fire could not be conclusively determined.
“Members of the Namibian Police attached to the forensic institute in Windhoek have already started their investigation,” he said.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health and Social Services advised residents to seek alternative healthcare services while efforts are underway to restore operations at the clinic in Mondesa.
Earlier this week, Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the ministry, said in a statement on Monday that general health services can be accessed at the Tamariskia Clinic, antenatal care, family planning, and immunisations at the DRC Clinic, while wound care services will be provided at the Swakopmund District Hospital.
He assured the public that the government would take swift action to repair the clinic.
“The health ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, is working tirelessly to restore services at Mondesa Clinic as soon as possible,” he said.
Nangombe urged the community to be patient and cooperate with health authorities because alternative health facilities may experience increased patient loads.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but we ask for patience and understanding as we work towards resolving the situation,” he added.
He added that the ministry will provide further updates about services at the clinic after the rubble is cleared.
The Namibian police reported that a security guard on duty at the clinic heard multiple explosions before a resident alerted her that the clinic was on fire.
It is suspected that the fire originated from the pharmacy section of the facility.
The fire caused significant damage to the pharmacy, though consultation rooms and most medical equipment remained largely intact.
