Niël Terblanché
The foundation has been laid for a new state-of-the-art health centre in Karibib, a project made possible through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and QKR Navachab Gold Mine.
The minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, said at the official launch of the project that once completed, the facility will improve healthcare access for the town’s growing population and surrounding areas.
“The existing health facility, inaugurated in 2004, has served the needs of Karibib residents well. However, demographic changes and increased demand for healthcare services make it necessary to expand our capacity,” he said.
Shangula explained that the existing health facility, inaugurated in 2004, has served the community well but is no longer sufficient due to demographic changes and increased demand for healthcare services.
“The town’s population growth, driven by economic activities such as mining, port expansion, and other developments in the Erongo region, has led to greater pressure on medical services,” he said.
He also noted that economic migration and climate-related displacement have further increased the demand for healthcare.
To address these challenges, QKR Navachab Gold Mine has pledged N$15 million towards the project, marking its largest corporate social investment to date.
Shangula highlighted the rising demand for healthcare services in Karibib, citing increases in patient visits for tuberculosis treatment and immunization programs.
“In 2021, 2 677 patients received tuberculosis Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). That number increased to 3,573 in 2022 and 4,825 in 2023. Similarly, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) saw patient visits rise from 3,205 in 2021 to 4,180 in 2023,” he said.
To meet these demands, the ministry has already assigned a full-time medical doctor, a pharmacist, and a pharmacist assistant to the existing facility. +
Additional specialized services, such as a five-bed dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital, are also being rolled out.
“These initiatives reduce the distances patients need to travel for essential treatments, aligning with our goal of achieving universal health coverage in Namibia,” the Minister stated.
Shangula stressed that the new health centre will be a public facility, fully operated and staffed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“The private sector has come forward with pledges to support both construction and equipment procurement. This is a collaborative effort that underscores what can be achieved when government ministries, local authorities, and private enterprises work together,” he said.
Shangula also acknowledged the Karibib Town Council’s contribution of land for the project and said that it was a vital factor in making the health centre a reality.
QKR’s managing director, George Botshiwe said that the initiative was developed in close consultation with the Karibib Town Council and the local community.
“This medical facility is the result of discussions between the mine, the town council, the constituency councillor’s office, and individual residents. The land was generously donated by the council, demonstrating the town’s commitment to this critical development,” he said.
The health centre will be built in three phases, with construction set to begin in June 2025.
The first phase will include a maternity ward, a casualty department, a pharmacy, and a general ward.
The second phase will add additional beds, theatres, a kitchen, and a laundry facility, while the final phase will involve the construction of staff quarters.
Botshiwe reiterated QKR Navachab Gold Mine’s commitment to community development.
“We firmly believe that the communities we operate in should benefit from our presence. The extraction of finite natural resources must leave a lasting positive legacy,” he said.
He added that the project is expected to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system and contribute to the country’s goal of providing accessible, high-quality medical services for all.
