Kavango west: Kavango West Health Director Fransiska Hamutenya has disclosed that the directorate is spending between N$2 million and N$3 million annually on office rentals without a designated budget for a permanent regional office in the current financial year, despite the pressing demand for suitable premises.According to Namibia Press Agency, Hamutenya shared these concerns during a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Suzan Ndjaleka. The regional management team currently operates from rented office space at the Matukuchila complex, incurring significant costs for both regional and district teams.Hamutenya highlighted that only N$2 million is earmarked in the 2027/28 medium-term financial framework for constructing new offices. Similarly, no funds are allocated this year for the planned Ncamagoro District office at Mile 30 Clinic, with N$5 million projected only for the 2027/28 financial year.The Ncamagoro District team continues to operate from Rundu due to accommodation shortages at Mile 30 Clinic, leading to disputes over staff entitlements like duty travel allowances. Hamutenya also highlighted the infrastructure backlogs in the region, noting that Kavango West is without a proper district hospital.The old Nankudu hospital, which was never designed as a hospital, lacks essential facilities such as an intensive care unit and adequate mortuary capacity. This situation results in referrals to Rundu, located 135 kilometers away, posing risks to maternity cases.Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo pressed the ministry to prioritize and expedite the construction of the long-promised Nkurenkuru district hospital. Sinimbo emphasized the residents' eagerness to see tangible progress after years of delays.In response, Ndjaleka stated that her visit was intended to gain clarity on the region's priority needs and to foster trust between the ministry and the region. She assured that her team would collaborate with the regional health directorate to formulate a clear plan.