Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has appointed a new contractor to repair the oxygen-generation plant at Mariental District Hospital, after months of operational problems disrupted the facility’s oxygen supply.

The plant was switched off at the end of July following repeated maintenance difficulties. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao told Parliament that the facility had also suffered an explosion on 6 June, after which repairs were attempted.

While the main plant remains under repair, the hospital has relied on oxygen cylinders as an interim measure to maintain supplies for patients who need respiratory support. The ministry said cylinders are being replenished according to demand.

The government’s latest intervention is aimed at addressing the underlying problems rather than continuing with temporary maintenance, with repairs currently under way.