Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Esperance Luvindao said the government has not opted for a simple rental arrangement for the Central Medical Store but is instead pursuing a lease-to-own model aimed at addressing urgent pharmaceutical storage challenges.

Dr. Luvindao said that the approach was informed by a cost-benefit analysis, noting that constructing a new facility could take up to three years, while current storage constraints require immediate intervention. She added that the ministry has engaged relevant stakeholders, including funding partners, to clarify the implementation approach and maintained that the decision was guided by partner requirements and practical timelines.

Her response follows concerns raised in parliament by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP Michael Mulunga, who questioned the consistency between earlier parliamentary statements and recent media reports on the project.

Mulunga referred to budget discussions in which the ministry reportedly indicated that funding had been redirected, with reference made to plans involving a facility at Ramatex in Otjomuise, Windhoek. He also cited media reports suggesting a cancelled tender and reported uncertainty from partners such as the global fund regarding the project’s direction, calling for clarity on whether the initiative is proceeding as a construction project or a rental arrangement.