The Mayibuye Clinic in Munsieville has remained incomplete for 16 years.

Residents often have to travel long distances to access a functioning health facility, whereas Mayibuye was intended to provide reliable health services to the community.

In June 2023, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development Alan Fuchs confirmed that delays are due to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) demonstrating, since its inception in 2009, an inability to deliver infrastructure on time, within budget, or with value for money.

Although planning for the Mayibuye Clinic began in 2015, the contractor only started work on the site in 2019.

Construction came to a halt, and the appointed contractor was terminated in September 2021 after millions of the budget had been spent. A new team of service providers was appointed by GDID in February 2022.

Fuchs stated that the completion date was estimated to be November 2024, which is nine years after planning commenced and five years after the contractor first went on site.

“With a lack of skill and expertise in the public sector, it is no surprise that infrastructure backlogs in Gauteng will not be significantly reduced within the next 15 years,” he said.

During a portfolio meeting with Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office in late 2024, Lesufi admitted that the quality of health services in the province is poor. He promised that his government will improve health and wellness in communities, provided the necessary skills and expertise are sourced, and dysfunctional health and infrastructure departments are held accountable.

The Krugersdorp News has approached the Gauteng Department of Health for clarity, but has not received feedback at the time of publication. Updates will be provided once the comment is received.

The spokesperson for the West Rand District Health Services, Nomagugu Hloma, acknowledged the News’ inquiry and said the health department will respond as soon as possible.