A new water extension project was officially handed over to Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital on June 29, which is set to strengthen healthcare services by ensuring a reliable water supply during municipal interruptions.

The project, funded by the charitable trust AWQAF South Africa, was completed in partnership with the hospital to improve water security for one of Johannesburg’s busiest maternal and child healthcare facilities.

Read more: Johannesburg water systems to face scheduled maintenance, despite already being dangerously fragile

The hospital’s acting CEO, Dr Arthur Manning, said the donation would have a lasting impact on patient care, describing reliable access to water as one of the most important requirements for maintaining hygiene in healthcare. He explained that while medicine and technology have advanced significantly over the years, proper hygiene remains the greatest contributor to positive patient outcomes.

Manning said previous municipal water interruptions severely disrupted hospital operations, particularly in the outpatient department, where staff transported water in buckets and asked patients not to use certain facilities.

Since the installation of the new water tanks and plumbing connections, he said the hospital has been able to continue operating normally during water outages, providing peace of mind to both staff and patients. He thanked AWQAF South Africa and everyone involved in the project, saying their commitment ensured the work was completed despite several technical challenges.

Also read: Rand Water set for winter water supply interruptions due to critical Eskom maintenance

Founding CEO of AWQAF South Africa, Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, said the project represented far more than infrastructure, describing it as an investment in protecting life, preserving dignity and strengthening public healthcare. He said reliable water is essential for safe childbirth, infection prevention and quality patient care, adding that the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to sustainable charitable initiatives that continue benefiting communities for generations.

Cajee also acknowledged Fatima Mohamed, a senior staff member at the hospital, for spearheading the initial engagement that led to the organisation undertaking the project.

He noted that the organisation supports water projects at hospitals, clinics, schools and community institutions across the country, believing that long-term philanthropy creates lasting public benefit. He added that the partnership with Rahima Moosa demonstrates what can be achieved when charitable organisations and public healthcare institutions work together to improve the lives of South Africans.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!