This R90mil project, which was initiated nearly 10 years ago, in November 2006, was greeted with widespread scepticism when unforeseen challenges led to delays in the progress.
However, a recent site visit revealed that construction, which began in September, is well underway, and the walls of the building are being erected already. Now, what might have been regarded by some as a ‘pipe-dream’ is finally turning into a reality.
Local radiographer and one of the directors of the project, Thami Mlotshwa, explained that one of the reasons for the delay in construction was the soil type on site, which was not conducive to the type of foundation required for the hospital’s construction.
“Now the foundation has been done and the walls are going up. The next step, once the outside structure is complete, will be to put in all of the fittings inside the building,” said Mr Mlotshwa.
The AbaQulusi Private Hospital will start off with 50 beds and two theatres with the capacity to expand to 100 beds and 4 theatres as the need arises.
Specialists who have already committed their services at the new facility, include gynaecologists, orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians, ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, general surgeons, physicians, and anaesthetists.
The development is expected to create 160 job opportunities for permanent as well as temporary workers.
Mr Mlothswa warned that con artists were taking names of community members, saying that they were recruiting staff for the Private Hospital. However, the actual recruitment process is only expected to begin in July.
“We always believed in this project,” said Mr Mlotshwa, speaking on behalf of his fellow directors. “It is a project that will uplift the town economically and provide a service that is desperately needed by the residents of AbaQulusi and the surrounding areas. After all, there isn’t another private hospital within 120km radius.”
Another Article you might want to read: Vryheid Private Hospital one step closer.
Find us on; Facebook, twitter, and on Whats App 060 986 0731.
