Elderwood Trading CC, in a joint venture with Shangsheng Construction, has been awarded a N$174 million contract for bulk infrastructure development at the planned Windhoek District Hospital in Havana, with the works expected to be completed within 12 months.
The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) awarded the contract following an open national bidding process, paving the way for the development of essential infrastructure ahead of the hospital’s construction.
The contract covers bulk earthworks, the construction of a water reservoir and access roads, as well as the installation of stormwater drainage systems, water supply and sewerage networks, and electricity infrastructure.
The works will prepare the site for the subsequent construction of the district hospital, which is expected to ease pressure on existing public healthcare facilities in Windhoek.
Ministry of Health and Social Services Executive Director Penda Ithindi said the project marked a significant step towards the construction of Windhoek’s first district hospital since Namibia gained independence in 1990.
He said the capital’s population had surpassed 500,000, increasing demand for healthcare services and placing additional pressure on existing public hospitals.
“Once operational, the hospital is expected to reduce pressure on Windhoek Central Hospital and Katutura Intermediate Hospital, both of which serve patients from the capital and receive referrals from all 14 regions,” Ithindi said.
The planned district hospital will provide district-level healthcare services, allowing Windhoek Central Hospital and Katutura Intermediate Hospital to focus more on specialised medical treatment and referral cases.
CPBN Chief Executive Officer Idi Itope said the signing of the N$174 million contract marked the conclusion of the procurement process and the beginning of the implementation phase.
He said the contractors were expected to deliver the infrastructure within the agreed 12-month period while complying with construction standards and contractual requirements.
Itope stressed that the investment must result in completed public infrastructure, warning that delays in healthcare projects would prolong pressure on existing facilities and postpone access to essential medical services.
He urged the joint venture to complete the project on schedule and ensure that all works met the required quality standards.
The contract signing was attended by Itope, Ithindi and representatives of the joint venture, Kenneth Shikongo of Elderwood Trading CC and Huang Heng Wan of Shangsheng Construction.
The N$174 million contract covers the initial infrastructure development phase and does not include the construction of the hospital buildings, which will be undertaken in a subsequent phase.
