Namibia has moved to address a critical shortage in its national medicine storage capacity after the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services signed a N$177.99 million contract to construct a new Central Medical Store and refurbish the existing warehouse.
The project is expected to eliminate an estimated 1,700 cubic metre storage deficit that has constrained the country’s ability to safely store essential medicines and medical supplies.
The contract, valued at N$177,990,117.33, was awarded to New Era Investment (Pty) Ltd JV Summit Trading CC following the completion of the procurement process.
The existing Central Medical Store has a storage capacity of approximately 2,900 cubic metres, against an estimated national requirement of 4,600 cubic metres, highlighting the need for additional infrastructure to support the country’s healthcare system.
CPBN Board Chairperson Mary Shiimi said the project is critical to strengthening Namibia’s pharmaceutical supply chain and ensuring reliable access to medicines.
“The significance of this project extends beyond the construction and refurbishment of physical infrastructure. Medical stores play an instrumental role in ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies are safely stored and made available to health facilities across the country. It is therefore important that projects of this nature are delivered efficiently, with due consideration for value for money and the broader impact they have on the lives of Namibians,” Shiimi said.
Ministry of Health and Social Services Executive Director Penda Ithindi said the signing of the contract marks the completion of the procurement process and allows implementation of the project to begin.
“With the procurement process concluded and the contract signed, the Ministry is now positioned to proceed with implementation of the project,” he said.
The development will include the construction of a new Central Medical Store, refurbishment of the existing warehouse, office accommodation and supporting infrastructure.
The project also includes the installation of modern storage racking, security systems and upgrades to water, electricity and sewer infrastructure to improve compliance with health, safety and pharmaceutical storage standards.
According to the CPBN, the project forms part of its mandate to facilitate strategic public procurement that delivers value for money while improving efficiency, transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
