Leaking roof leaves Westenburg patients waiting outside
Patients visiting the clinic raised issues in November last year, saying patients' privacy is compromised as they are consulted with in an open area for all to see.
POLOKWANE – Patients on Monday had to queue outside on a cloudy and rainy morning to wait for medical attention at the Westenburg community hall, due to a leaking roof.
On every first day of the week, health personnel hired by the Department of Health, brings a mobile clinic to the community hall for medical assistance, all in an effort to help those who are unable to travel to Buite Clinic.
Municipal employees mopped the hall, while contractors assessed the damaged on top of the substantial building.
Area ward councillor, Joosuf Pemma confirmed that the actual maintenance of the roof would be done at a later stage.
The municipal communications manager, Matshidiso Mothapo says contractors had already begun collecting materials after the damage assessment.
“The matter is being treated as an emergency given that the hall is used quite a lot,” he added
Patients visiting the clinic raised issues in November last year, saying patients’ privacy is compromised as they are consulted with in an open area for all to see.
Despite a promise by the Mayor, John Mpe during a community meeting to build a stationery clinic, the Health Department confirmed that it would contravene their policies.
“On March 28, the mayor promised us that land has been identified for the purposes of a clinic.
“When a letter was sent to him regarding our ward issues, including the need for a permanent clinic, the response was that they were not mandated to provide health services, but would out of courtesy engage the Health MEC.
“What makes us angry is that the mayor did not mention the Department of Health when he addressed us about vacant land to build a clinic,” a community member said.
Acting health spokesperson at the time, Derick Kganyago, said a request by the municipality was lodged for a clinic to be built, but that regulations don’t allow for the building of another clinic when there is an existing one situated within a 10km radius.
“The Buite Clinic in this case is an alternative, and therefore this area does not qualify for an additional clinic.”
