Windhoek: Minister of Finance, Erica Shafudah, has applauded the University of Namibia (UNAM) for its responsible use of public funds, following the construction of its N$98 million Veterinary Academic Hospital.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the facility was constructed between 2020 and 2021 and was officially opened to the public in 2022 and registered as a hospital in 2026. The project received about N$38 million in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), while the Namibian government contributed about N$60 million.

Shafudah, while officiating at the UNAM Veterinary Academic Hospital Open Day in Windhoek, said the facility's quality exceeds that of some buildings constructed at far higher costs. 'If you hear someone asking about billions, tell them to come to this facility and ask how much was spent on this facility. It then means UNAM is efficient in spending public resources,' she said.

She noted that funding veterinary medicine education is a critical investment because it is also an investment in public health, as it promotes zoonotic disease control. 'Veterinary professionals also act as the first line of defense in pandemic prevention,' she added.

UNAM Vice-Chancellor Kenneth Matengu informed the gathering that the institution is also opening a branch in Rundu later this year. Associate Dean at UNAM's School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Anna Marais, said the centre still requires about N$24 million to complete the project's final phase and appealed to organisations to partner with the university and provide funding or essential equipment.

'I'm kindly appealing to your organisations to partner with our university by providing funding or essential equipment as part of your corporate social responsibility to help us complete this hospital,' Marais added. She further requested donations of equipment and ambulatory vehicles, each valued at close to N$1 million, for use by staff and students.