Long-delayed Mohlakeng Healthcare Centre still standing idle

The Randfontein Community Healthcare Centre in Mohlakeng remains incomplete and unused, despite millions reportedly having been spent on the project.

This follows a statement issued by the DA Constituency Head for Rand West City (in the south) and Member of the Provincial Legislature, Jade Miller, after an oversight visit on July 10.

According to Miller, there was no construction activity taking place during the visit, with no contractors on site. She further alleged that security personnel have not been paid for several months and that subcontractors have abandoned the project due to non-payment.

“The facility was previously expected to be completed and operational by June 30, 2025, as indicated by the Gauteng Department of Health in response to DA questions,” Miller said.

“More than a year later, the project remains at a standstill, with no indication of when it will be completed.”

The delays have raised concerns among residents, who have been anticipating the opening of the healthcare centre to ease pressure on existing medical facilities in the area.

Miller added that additional questions submitted to the newly appointed MEC for Health in May have yet to receive a response, further contributing to frustration over the project.

“Residents deserve transparency and honest answers about what has gone wrong, how much more taxpayer money will be required, and when this facility will finally serve the community,” she said.

She added that the DA will continue pursuing the matter through the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and maintain oversight until the project is completed and those responsible are held accountable.

The Ranfontein Herald reported in April that Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, conducted an oversight visit to the healthcare centre project, during which she attributed the years-long construction delays to financial mismanagement by a contractor.

“The project, which began in 2018, was halted after the initially appointed contractor encountered financial management challenges, ultimately leading to the termination of the contract and a suspension of work,” Mazibuko said in April.

In the meantime, residents of Mohlakeng and surrounding communities continue to rely on already strained healthcare services while the long-awaited facility remains unused.

The Herald approached Rand West City Local Municipality again for comment regarding the healthcare centre. Municipal spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa referred the queries to the Gauteng Department of Health. The Herald then sent a media enquiry to provincial health department spokesperson Steve Mabona and received a response from communication intern Andisiwe Ciya.

“The clinic is still under the Department of Infrastructure Development. Kindly forward your enquiry to the Department of Infrastructure Development,” Ciya said.

The Herald subsequently sent a media enquiry to Department of Infrastructure Development spokespersons Theo Nkonki and Castro Ngobese on Monday, August 3, at 10:50, with a deadline for comment of Wednesday, August 5, at 09:00. At the time of publication on Thursday, August 6, at 09:30, no response had been received. The Herald will publish an update as soon as a response is received or more information becomes available.