Mmametlhake Hospital still without water

Just when the community and patients thought Mmametlhake Hospital’s water crisis was over, they were disappointed once again.

The health facility, based in the JS Moroka Local Municipality, had initially been without water since the festive season after some machinery and the water pump had broken down.

The Public Servants Association of South Africa released a statement raising its concerns over the hospital’s ongoing water shortage.

“This shortage has severely impacted the delivery of health services and represents a significant violation of human rights. A consistent water supply is essential for infection control and the proper implementation of acceptable health practices,” it said.

According to the MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, the department was unable to secure any water pumps during the festive season, as all the suppliers had closed down for the period.

She said in an effort to ensure the smooth running of the hospital, the department deployed two water tankers to supply it, and also got assistance from the local municipality.

“Then, on Wednesday, January 8, we did secure new water pumps and they were installed, and the water started to run again. However, the following morning, they stopped operating.”

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Manzini said an independent service provider was deployed to locate the problem.

“The service provider was on-site on Thursday, January 9, but due to the weather conditions he was unable to complete the work. The department has again deployed two water tankers
to assist while the problem is being dealt with.”

“We are hopeful this will be resolved before the end of the weekend. Patients and local residents are advised that the hospital is continuing with its functions and that they will not be turned away. The department would like to apologise to the public for the inconvenience,” she said.

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