Gondwana Collection Namibia and The Big Three Conservancies Trust, consisting of Anabeb, Torra, and Sesfontein, recently marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of a new clinic in the Kunene Region. Residents of the Palmwag settlement in the Torra Conservancy have warmly welcomed this development, which addresses the pressing challenge of long travel distances for medical care. Previously, residents had to journey 50 kilometres to the nearest clinic or 150 kilometres to Khorixas State Hospital, making access to healthcare a daunting task.
Left to right: Outjo Constituency Regional Councillor, Antsino Hishidimbwa, Torra Conservancy Chairperson, Tommy Adams and Commissioner James Nderura, Regional Police Commander for the Kunene Region.
This clinic exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the private sector, local communities, and the government to tackle the daily challenges that citizens face. Its establishment aligns with the government's vision to enhance healthcare services for residents of the Kunene Region and beyond. Gondwana, who assumed management of Palmwag Lodge & Camp in 2019, committed to building this clinic to meet the urgent healthcare needs of a community lacking nearby medical facilities. Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past four years, Gondwana remained dedicated to this project, culminating in its completion in 2024.
Community Members and Guests in attendance
On 24 October 2024, Gondwana and the Big Three Conservancies Trust officially handed over the clinic to the Kunene Regional Council and the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Fully funded by Gondwana, the clinic features two consultation rooms, an indoor waiting area, and a bathroom, all powered by solar energy to ensure self-sufficiency. Neo Paint Namibia generously sponsored the paint for the clinic.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will now oversee the clinic's operations, aiming to provide essential medical care to residents, the team at Palmwag Lodge & Camp, as well as visitors to the area. During the inauguration ceremony, although he was unable to attend, Honourable Marius Sheya, Governor of the Kunene Region, acknowledged the importance of this initiative. Outjo Constituency Regional Councillor, Johannes Antsino received the clinic on behalf of Kunene Governor.
Quintin Hartung, Group Environmental and Social Impact Manager at Gondwana, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Big Three Trust and emphasised their commitment to community service. He also highlighted Gondwana's plans to support nursing students from these conservancies in completing their education and returning to serve in the Palmwag Clinic. This initiative reflects Gondwana's broader commitment to positively impacting local communities where it operates while enhancing healthcare access for thousands of households in this tourist attraction region.
Outjo Constituency Regional Councillor, Antsino Johannes Hishidimbwa, Torra Conservancy Chairperson, Tommy Adams and Gondwana Group Environmental and Social Impact Manager, Quintin Hartung.