This research study focuses on the way the Namibian public sector plans and implements capital
projects, mainly in the Ohangwena region, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services in
general. The research results show that the planning and project process is not clear and that
options need to be considered for the improvement thereof. It is observed that often some of the
identified and approved capital projects are not implemented and, if implemented, this is
typically done in two or three years. Most parts of Ohangwena are comprised of sandy roads,
especially the north-eastern area of Ohangwena which represents a large part of the region.
Distances between health facilities and the scarcity of transport make it difficult for the
community to easily reach the nearest health facility.
The primary objective of this study is to perform an assessment of the planning process in the
public sector for the implementation of capital projects and its effectiveness with regard to the
planning and implementation of identified capital projects. From the outset, the critical issue is
not only implementation, but also how the Ministry plans its capital projects for successful
implementation. Interestingly, no research has been done before on this topic in Namibia.
Against this background, officials (planners) that are directly involved in capital projects design
were interviewed at the district, regional and national levels of the Ministry. The research
investigation found that, in general, the planning and project processes in the Ministry are good,
but a number of weaknesses were observed in the implementation process.
The findings of the study showed that capacity in the Ministry, in terms of skills and technical
expertise, are among the main causes of delay in the implementation of capital projects,
particularly in the region and in the Ministry in general. The research found that lack of technical
expertise in the Ministry and the limited capacity of those responsible for capital projects
initiation and implementation, especially at the District and Regional level, have a substantial
influence on most of all the weaknesses observed in the system. In this regard, specific
recommendations were made regarding the prioritization of the necessary posts and building
capacity at the operational level.