Residents of Havana informal settlement in Windhoek are playing a hands-on role in the construction of the new Windhoek District Hospital.
This comes as the Ministry of Health and Social Services is sourcing unskilled labour directly from the local community.
Health minister Esperance Luvindao, accompanied by senior ministry officials, visited the site this week to assess the project’s progress.
During the visit, the delegation engaged directly with workers from Havana who have been employed under a key clause in the contractor’s agreement requiring community-based recruitment.
“This is more than a building project, it is a vehicle for empowering the community through employment and inclusion,” the ministry says.
“We are ensuring that the people of Havana directly benefit from the development happening in their backyard.”
The ministry says bulk earthworks are on schedule, with both construction and engineering teams expressing confidence in meeting the delivery timelines.
The Windhoek District Hospital is envisioned as a major boost to the capital’s healthcare infrastructure, easing the pressure on Katutura Intermediate and Windhoek Central hospitals.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the ministry sees the project as a symbol of inclusive growth.
“We are committed to transforming the health sector while uplifting communities,” it says.
“No one should be left behind.”
The hospital forms part of broader government efforts to improve public healthcare delivery while fostering economic opportunities at grassroots level.
Photo: Contributed
