Allexer Namundjebo
Plans for a new public hospital in Karibib have been announced following the publication of a land subdivision and rezoning application in the latest government gazette.
The proposal involves the subdivision of the remainder of Erf 153, Karibib, to create a dedicated site for the healthcare facility, which is intended to be donated to the government.
According to the gazette notice, the application aims to create a new site (Portion 1) for the development of a public hospital on land located east of Metro Fresh along Kapapu Road.
The proposed hospital site will be rezoned from “undetermined” to “institutional” to allow for the development of the facility and related infrastructure.
The wider development plan includes additional land for residential areas, business activities, public open spaces, streets and service infrastructure.
“The application was submitted by Stewart Planning – Town and Regional Planners on behalf of the developer and is being considered under Namibia’s urban planning and environmental legislation” the gazette stated.
Members of the public have been invited to submit objections or comments on the proposal before 6 August.
The application documents are available for inspection at the Karibib town council’s town planning office.
Reacting to the gazette, Adolf Hofni, a community member in Karibib said that, if completed, the hospital will solve the much needed health care problems in the town.
Speaking to Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Hofni said that he is of the view that the hospital will also assist in providing health services to those who will be involved in car accidents.
“There used to be more accidents in the area. If the hospital is to be constructed, it might assist those who will be involved in car accidents,” said Hofni.
He added that it will also create employment opportunities for the youth.
“Obviously those who will be employed, especially for cleaning will be from the area” he said.
Another resident, Helvi Mweetako said that she is hoping that the establishment of the hospital will open doors for further developments in the town.
“It will boost the economy as small traders will be selling at the hospital” she said.
Karibib currently does not have a standalone public hospital, with residents relying primarily on the Karibib Clinic for basic healthcare services or travel to the Usakos District Hospital for more advanced medical treatment.
To address the growing healthcare needs of the town and surrounding communities, a new Karibib Health Centre is under construction.
The N$120 million project is being funded mainly by QKR Namibia’s Navachab Gold Mine as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
Once completed, the facility will be handed over to the ministry of health and social services.
Ground works are already underway, with construction expected to be completed and the facility officially handed over in 2028.
