The Ministry of Works and Transport has made N$40 million available for the renovation of the Katutura Intermediate Hospital which the Ministry of Health and Social Services has reportedly delayed.
Works spokesperson Julius Ngwedha yesterday said renovation has already begun at the hospital.
“The problem is the ministry of health did not make arrangements to shift patients to other floors to make room for the renovations and this is slowing down progress,” said Ngwedha.
According to Ngwedha, the funds were requested and given by the finance ministry last year.
He, however, raised concern about the time frame, considering the funds should be used in the current financial year which ends on 31 March.
“If we don’t manage to utilise all the funds, we will put it in a suspense account so that it does not go back to treasury,” said Ngwedha.
Ngwedha added that the ministry has secured a N$2 billion loan from the Southern African Development Bank, which will go towards TransNamib.
“The money will be used to purchase about 25 new locomotives for TransNamib,” he said.
He added that there have been discussions with different airlines interested in operations in Namibia.
“There are no intentions to revive Air Namibia, but we have been in touch with Turkish and Emirates airlines and there are some airlines that are eager to come into our air space,” said Ngwedha.
During a media briefing in Windhoek yesterday, works minister John Mutorwa said considering it is election year, there is much to expect, especially from different political parties.
“Political parties, the world over, participate in elections to seek political power and the mandate to administer the affairs of the state. Obviously and rightly, much is to be expected,” said Mutorwa.
He added that as per the Constitution, political parties will be presenting their manifestos to explain their beliefs and what they will do if they win the election.
“The ministry of works has a specific mandate and that is well articulated in the name,” said Mutorwa.
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