Phase one of private hospital nearing completion

What has been billed as an essential service in Estcourt is taking shape in Ntabamhlophe Road.

A project team is busy with construction at the Umtshezi Private Hospital site. Since 2005, locals’ hopes were buoyed when there was talk of a private hospital in Estcourt…

However, that did not materialise. Realising there was a vital need for private healthcare in Estcourt, three local doctors – Dr Ndlovu, Dr Ntuli and Dr Mzinyane – continued to punt the idea; and once finances and partnerships were secured, a plan to start the first phase with 75 beds was given the green light.

In March last year, stakeholders gathered on-site to discuss plans for the hospital and hand over the site to the construction company.

Since then, the construction site has been a hive of activity as the project team has been busy with the development.

Project manager Simon Chalwa said that ‘building works are progressing well’, with most of the brickwork done; roofing sheet installation at an advanced stage; internal plastering in progress; as well as installation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ducts.

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While it was anticipated that the construction period would be 12 months and two weeks from the handover in March last year, Chalwa says that challenges have delayed this.

 “Building works are now targeted to be complete by the end of August 2023. Poor soil conditions and heavy rains have made it necessary to revise the project time-lines. The hospital is going to be open to the public in January 2024. Initial meetings have been held with the doctors and specialists in the area,” he said.

When asked if he could reveal any details on Phase 2 of the private hospital plans, Chalwa said ‘plans are in the pipeline, but these will be communicated after the first phase.’

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