Health centre left in limbo

Member of Parliament and DA Constituency Head for Rand West, Jade Miller, raised concern regarding the completion of the Randfontein Community Health Centre.

“For six years, Randfontein residents have waited for their new community health centre. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has spent over R220m, yet the building stands empty and incomplete,” Miller said in a statement.

She continued that the delay is overburdening two clinics already struggling to meet the need for healthcare.

“We have submitted written questions to the Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to ascertain the reasons behind the delays in completing the Randfontein Community Health Centre. We want to determine the exact cost of the project and the total amount still owed to contractors and security personnel,” she said.

During a visit to the centre, they discovered the security personnel hadn’t been paid for four months and construction works were done. The centre, however, is still abandoned, despite promises by the Gauteng Department of Health that it will be functional by June.

With an estimated R90m worth of work still no construction has been done, this timeline will again not be met.”

Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) has been approached for comment but has not responded at the time of print. As soon as a comment is received, an update will be given.

The GDoH spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, stated that the project has been managed by the Department of Infrastructure as the implementing agent.

He added, “It is not true that the site is abandoned, it is still under the contractor. The GDoH has no outstanding invoices in relation to this project. Since the site is still under the contractor, they are responsible for the site.

“The practical completion of the project is still projected to be the end of June this year,” Modiba said.