Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has handed over newly constructed sanitation facilities at four clinics and one health centre in the Kavango West Region, as part of Government’s efforts to improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The facilities were handed over at Kapako Clinic, Mburu-Uru Clinic, Nzinze Clinic, Sharukwe Clinic and Mupini Health Centre under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme (NWSSP), which is supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The NWSSP has a total programme value of N$3.3 billion, comprising an AfDB loan of N$1.9 billion, a N$50.4 million grant from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative Trust Fund, and a N$1.3 billion counterpart contribution from the Government of Namibia.
The programme is aimed at improving access to water and sanitation services, strengthening water security and building institutional capacity within Namibia’s water sector.
The sanitation facilities in Kavango West were implemented under the programme’s rural water supply, sanitation and hygiene component, which supports the construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of water supply schemes, as well as sanitation infrastructure and improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
Speaking at the handover, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said the facilities demonstrate Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Namibians through investment in essential public infrastructure.
“Sanitation is fundamental to public health, human dignity and a healthy environment. The facilities being handed over today will contribute to creating safer and more appropriate conditions for patients, health workers and communities using these health facilities,” the Executive Director said.
The Executive Director also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and regional structures throughout the infrastructure development process, from planning and prioritisation to implementation, operation and maintenance.
The Ministry acknowledged the Kavango West Regional Council, regional leadership, the AfDB, NWSSP team, consultants, contractors, technical personnel and other stakeholders for their contribution to the completion of the facilities.
The Acting Programme Coordinator said the handover represents a joint effort between Government, development partners, the regional council and communities towards national development objectives.
The NWSSP is implemented through three components, covering bulk water infrastructure development, rural water supply and sanitation and hygiene, and institutional capacity building and programme management.
The Ministry said the completion of the facilities marks the beginning of a shared responsibility to ensure that they remain functional, properly maintained and protected and are used for their intended purpose.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform
