Africa-Press – Namibia. After years of enduring without a health facility, residents of Okonjombo village are about to breathe a sigh of relief. There, a new clinic is nearing completion.
Located more than 140 kilometres from Opuwo, Okonjombo has long struggled without access to proper health services.
According to sources on the ground, residents were forced to travel approximately 50 kilometres, often on foot, to the nearest clinic in Otjiuu.
Standing near the new clinic building, a group of men shared their emotional experiences.
“Seeing that building there means we are finally recognised,” said resident Tuamunovipi Tjiningire. “It wasn’t easy. We have lost many lives trying to reach Otjiuu. The worst was a woman, pregnant and carrying a baby, who drowned while trying to cross the river with a sick child in April.”
Tjiningire recalled how, since his childhood in the 80s, the villagers had to walk long distances for immunisations and other basic medical services.
“We stayed at home, hoping God would heal us because there was no hospital nearby. But now, seeing the construction with my own eyes, I am truly grateful,” he said.
Tragedy
Tjiningire spoke of unbearable situations, families forced to keep the bodies of deceased loved ones in their homes due to the lack of transport and phone networks to call for help.
Another grim memory involved a chickenpox outbreak that claimed the lives of three children.
Another villager, Mapurujani Koruhama, said the pain of watching people die trying to save others remains fresh.
Another resident, Tjiraso Karathuna described life without the basic health facilities as “living in darkness.”
“Now, things will change. Cars will come to the clinic, and we can use them to go to Opuwo for other services too,” he said.
Another community member, Mbotonjo Tjiningire, expressed his gratitude to the local leadership.
“The councillor not only brought the clinic, but also a borehole for clean water. He saved us from life-threatening problems. As the saying goes, ‘Feed the hand that feeds you.’ We will support him.”
Even Tjipombo Vaendjererisa, who noted that his culture discourages openly thanking younger people, said the community deeply appreciates the councillor’s efforts.
“We put him under pressure, but he delivered. Soon, crossing rivers to reach healthcare will be history.”
The man behind the clinic is Opuwo Rural councillor Westen Muharukua, who was moved to act after hearing about the death of the pregnant woman and her child.
“That story broke my heart. She had a baby on her back and one in her womb. She died trying to get help,” Muharukua said.
In response, he used part of the N$250 000 allocated to his constituency office to start building the clinic in the flood-prone area.
“The clinic is now 90% complete. When it’s done, no one will have to risk their life just to get healthcare,” he said.
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