Construction of new hospital delayed yet again
The cost for the new hospital has not yet been finalised
THE empty Kempton Park Hospital will not be demolished this year as expected.
Refiloe Nt’Sekhe (MPL), DA Gauteng Constituency Head: Kempton Park/Tembisa, said the MEC for health, Qedani Mahlangu, indicated that the building would only be demolished in the new year.
“This is contrary to her response to an oral question in the legislature earlier this year, where she stated that at the end of 2016, there would be an architectural design finalised and that construction of a new hospital on the premises would commence in 2017.
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“Further delays on Kempton Park Hospital are unacceptable as residents are becoming increasingly impatient with the slow pace of delivery on the site. According to the MEC, the cost for the new hospital has not yet been finalised,” Nt’sekhe said on Wednesday.
Mahlangu said it was decided to demolish the existing structure due to the cost of the refurbishment and renovation of the existing building exceeding the 60% margin for renovations.
“The DA welcomes the new 350-bed level 1 district hospital which the department intends to build as this will increase access to quality health facilities to the residents of Kempton Park and Tembisa. This will decrease the pressure on Tembisa Hospital which is currently struggling to cope with the increasing demand for healthcare,” Nt’Sekhe added.
She said the DA would monitor the progress of construction while keeping a very close eye on supply chain management procedures and adherence to the Public Financial Management Act.
