Namdia foundation donates over N$7 million to health ministry

Michelline Nawatises

PULL QUOTE: “Together we are stronger and together we will be victorious in our fight to curb the further spread of Covid-19.” – Health Minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula

Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has donated N$7 million to the ministry of health and social services.

The Foundation has been an active participant in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic since it reached Namibia’s borders and donated over N$2 million in 2020 to various projects such as;

· N$1 million to the government’s National Disaster Fund

· N$200 000 to the Public Enterprises CEO’s Forum

· N$150 000 to the City of Windhoek for water provision in informal settlements

· 500 sanitiser bottles to the Robert Mugabe Clinic

· Food parcels (23 000 kg) worth N$300 000 distributed by Namdia staff and volunteers to vulnerable communities.

To further demonstrate its commitment, the Foundation, in close collaboration with Namdia’s clients, recently donated N$7 146 328 to the ministry of health and social services as follows:

· Five oxygen concentrators worth N$630 000 plus N$3 073 633 for the acquisition of oxygen and oxygen-related equipment. This is in collaboration with Namdia’s clients namely Dev Jewels, Diamond Trading, Diamwill, Dhamani, Kapu Diamonds and Samir Gems.

· N$ 4 072 694 for the construction of the Mariental Hospital oxygen generation plant. This is a partnership between Namdia and one of its most prominent clients, SBMH.

The chief executive officer of Namdia, Kennedy Hamutenya, said he was touched by what a doctor who is based in Mariental told him. "The doctor had to choose between who lives and dies due to lack of oxygen, so I decided we will do something about it," he said.

With part of the money donated to the ministry, an oxygen generation plant will be constructed at the Mariental Hospital. The oxygen generation plant will alleviate some of the pressure on the health system and will provide much-needed oxygen to health facilities in the region and construction is scheduled to commence within the next two weeks. Once constructed, the plant will deliver a class-leading 500L/min of 93% to 95% pure medical-grade oxygen.

The chairman of the namdia board of directors, Bryan Eiseb, said the foundation is humbled and grateful for the generosity of Namdia’s clients and their willingness to stand with us during these unprecedented times.

“Namdia continues to firmly stand together with the nation and values the resilience and the unwavering commitment of our country’s front-line workers who risk their lives daily in the fight against the pandemic,” he said.

Minister Shangula said the supply of oxygen is being beefed up at all hospitals. He said the private sector had partnered with the government with increasing hospital bed capacities, mortuary space and supply of oxygen.

“The Mariental Hospital is one of those hospitals which has needed additional oxygen supply infrastructure as the existent oxygen supply can no longer cope with the demand of the hospital,” said Shangula.

He thanked the board of directors and the executive management of Namdia for the support. “Together we are stronger and together we will be victorious in our fight to curb the further spread of Covid-19,” he concluded.