Windhoek: The multimillion-dollar critical infrastructure restoration project at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital is progressing well, Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said on Tuesday. In a ministerial statement delivered in the National Assembly, Nekundi announced that the project includes the installation and restoration of a solar power heating system that serves the hospital's main building, nurses' home, and kitchen area.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the restoration is part of broader efforts by the ministry to improve energy efficiency and ensure reliable service delivery at public health facilities. The scope of work includes a comprehensive overhaul of the hospital's solar water heating infrastructure, the removal of damaged solar collectors and corroded copper piping, and the installation of new energy-efficient components.
The contractor will also modify existing solar panels to integrate updated technologies and install heat pumps to enhance energy supply in critical areas such as the hospital kitchens and nurses' home facilities, the minister said. He added that most of the solar panels had sustained significant damage due to years of use and exposure to harsh weather conditions, while some copper pipes had deteriorated naturally over time.
'The modification works for the solar panels are currently advancing in phase one in the main unit in the kitchen and the nurses' home facilities. Regarding the installation of heat pumps for the kitchen and nurses' home areas, I can confirm that the necessary heat pumps have been procured and are expected to be delivered this month. Similarly, the installation of cages and ducting to manage the cold air distribution is proceeding as planned, with completion anticipated by the end of October,' he said.
The minister commended the contractor, noting that at the current pace, the project could be completed ahead of schedule by November. 'This proactive approach underscores our dedication to restoring essential services to our healthcare workers and the communities they serve. The restoration of the solar water heating system at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital represents more than a structural improvement,' Nekundi said about the work at Namibia's second largest hospital in Windhoek.