Kavango West residents trapped in smelly healthcare nightmare
Residents of Katjinakatji in the Kavango West Region have accused the health ministry of failing to repair a dilapidated sewer system at the Katjinakatji Clinic, which has caused a persistent foul smell for years.
This follows a recent investigation by the information, communication and technology ministry, which revealed widespread frustration among residents over the government's alleged failure to provide a conducive healthcare environment at the clinic.
The ministry's team reported witnessing a sewer system infested with worms, emitting a putrid stench. Some staff members residing at the facility said they had adapted to the unbearable smell, despite repeatedly reporting the issue to the ministry, with no resolution.
Community members also raised concerns over the outdated open-pit latrines at the clinic, which they claim have never been chemically treated.
Responding to these concerns, Kavango West regional health director Franciska Hamutenya told Namibian Sun on Wednesday that plans are underway to resolve the issue.
Hamutenya added that the septic tank is emptied on a monthly basis and whenever necessary.
"This is done by the ministry. The only challenge we currently face is that during the emptying process, the septic tank, which is built with bricks, was damaged. I’m not sure if it was bumped, perhaps someone reversed into it. But yes, it was damaged during that process," she said.
"Since the septic tank is located within the clinic premises, we have made arrangements to relocate it. There are also plans to construct a new one."
As for the smell, Hamutenya added: "I have visited the clinic and haven’t noticed any odour during the day. Maybe it is noticeable in the evenings, but since I don’t stay there overnight, I can’t confirm that. Nevertheless, plans are in place to either rehabilitate or relocate the septic tank. Katjinakatji is a priority right now."
Costly health
In 2023, Namibian Sun reported that essential healthcare services remain a luxury for critically ill patients in the rural Kavango regions, with some forced to spend hundreds of dollars to hitchhike to the nearest clinic.
A patient from Karukuvisa village in Kavango West must pay N$180 for a 100 km round trip to Gcwatjinga Clinic, the nearest healthcare facility. Gcwatjinga is about 80 km from Rundu.
Those who cannot afford transport are left with no choice but to use donkeys or ox carts to reach healthcare services.
In 2019, this publication highlighted the plight of Mururani village residents who rely on a mobile health clinic that only operates twice a week. The ambulance meant to serve the area is stationed 130 km away in Rundu.
Before the mobile clinic's establishment in 2017, villagers had to travel approximately 30 km to Katjinakatji or Mpora clinics. For complex medical cases, they still have to travel about 130 km to Rundu or Grootfontein, incurring significant transport costs.
Mangetti residents, meanwhile, must travel about 100 km to access medical services at Katjinakatji Clinic. A trip to hospitals in Rundu or Grootfontein means a 200 km journey, with all the associated financial burdens.
Difficult to access
In 2020, Namibian Sun reported about Maria Kandere from Suni village in Kavango West, who was transported in a canoe pulled by cattle while returning from Sikarosompo Clinic.
The clinic, located 12 km from Suni village and 30 km south of Nkurenkuru, remains difficult to access for many residents.
According to a relative of Kandere, who guided the cattle, they left home at 06:00 and arrived at the clinic at 11:00, highlighting the arduous journeys many face for medical attention.
To alleviate some of these challenges, the health ministry officials officially inaugurated the Gcaruhwa Clinic in August last year.
The facility, located about 25 km south of Nzinze village and 60 km from Nankudu District Hospital, aims to provide much-needed relief to communities that previously relied on a makeshift structure.
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This follows a recent investigation by the information, communication and technology ministry, which revealed widespread frustration among residents over the government's alleged failure to provide a conducive healthcare environment at the clinic.
The ministry's team reported witnessing a sewer system infested with worms, emitting a putrid stench. Some staff members residing at the facility said they had adapted to the unbearable smell, despite repeatedly reporting the issue to the ministry, with no resolution.
Community members also raised concerns over the outdated open-pit latrines at the clinic, which they claim have never been chemically treated.
Responding to these concerns, Kavango West regional health director Franciska Hamutenya told Namibian Sun on Wednesday that plans are underway to resolve the issue.
Hamutenya added that the septic tank is emptied on a monthly basis and whenever necessary.
"This is done by the ministry. The only challenge we currently face is that during the emptying process, the septic tank, which is built with bricks, was damaged. I’m not sure if it was bumped, perhaps someone reversed into it. But yes, it was damaged during that process," she said.
"Since the septic tank is located within the clinic premises, we have made arrangements to relocate it. There are also plans to construct a new one."
As for the smell, Hamutenya added: "I have visited the clinic and haven’t noticed any odour during the day. Maybe it is noticeable in the evenings, but since I don’t stay there overnight, I can’t confirm that. Nevertheless, plans are in place to either rehabilitate or relocate the septic tank. Katjinakatji is a priority right now."
Costly health
In 2023, Namibian Sun reported that essential healthcare services remain a luxury for critically ill patients in the rural Kavango regions, with some forced to spend hundreds of dollars to hitchhike to the nearest clinic.
A patient from Karukuvisa village in Kavango West must pay N$180 for a 100 km round trip to Gcwatjinga Clinic, the nearest healthcare facility. Gcwatjinga is about 80 km from Rundu.
Those who cannot afford transport are left with no choice but to use donkeys or ox carts to reach healthcare services.
In 2019, this publication highlighted the plight of Mururani village residents who rely on a mobile health clinic that only operates twice a week. The ambulance meant to serve the area is stationed 130 km away in Rundu.
Before the mobile clinic's establishment in 2017, villagers had to travel approximately 30 km to Katjinakatji or Mpora clinics. For complex medical cases, they still have to travel about 130 km to Rundu or Grootfontein, incurring significant transport costs.
Mangetti residents, meanwhile, must travel about 100 km to access medical services at Katjinakatji Clinic. A trip to hospitals in Rundu or Grootfontein means a 200 km journey, with all the associated financial burdens.
Difficult to access
In 2020, Namibian Sun reported about Maria Kandere from Suni village in Kavango West, who was transported in a canoe pulled by cattle while returning from Sikarosompo Clinic.
The clinic, located 12 km from Suni village and 30 km south of Nkurenkuru, remains difficult to access for many residents.
According to a relative of Kandere, who guided the cattle, they left home at 06:00 and arrived at the clinic at 11:00, highlighting the arduous journeys many face for medical attention.
To alleviate some of these challenges, the health ministry officials officially inaugurated the Gcaruhwa Clinic in August last year.
The facility, located about 25 km south of Nzinze village and 60 km from Nankudu District Hospital, aims to provide much-needed relief to communities that previously relied on a makeshift structure.
[email protected]
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