Ramathuba responds to DA’s concerns

Health MEC Phopi Ramathuba, in her capacity as acting MEC for Social Development, commented on findings made about the Seshego Treatment Centre by Democratic Alliance members Zack Mbhele and Lindy Wilson during an oversight visit to the yet incomplete facility earlier.
Ramathuba visited the centre, a government initiative to treat drug and substance dependants, last Friday.
This after Mbhele, DA Shadow Minister of Police and Wilson DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Social Development pointed out, among others, certain design flaws in terms of control measures for the centre to be effective. They also questioned the necessity of a swimming pool as part of the facilities, voiced discontent about missing ceiling panels, visible design and interior flaws and a seemingly inadequate kitchen set-up in the dining room.
The DA also learnt that completion dates for the project had since October 2011 been changed five times following its commencement in April 2010.
After a host of delays in finalisation of the project including subsequent reported liquidation of the then appointed contractor, another contractor had been appointed on 16 May this year after the advertisement of the project on 3 March and the site was officially handed over on 6 June.
The DA representatives described the R107 million project as reflective of the African National Congress’ financial wastage and mismanagement. Ramathuba in response said the DA was just jumping on the bandwagon. She said construction was going well at the centre and that the project will be completed in October this year. “We heard their complaints about the ceiling panels and light fittings which were said to be missing and that is not true. The site is still under construction and therefore many aspects of a complete building will be perceived as missing until it is actually installed. The ceiling panels, incidentally, are in the process of being replaced,” Ramathuba said
Responding to the DA’s concerns on the necessity of having a swimming pool on the premises Ramathuba said the pool was placed on the premises for occupational therapy purposes. “It is used during therapy for the detoxification process. They also complained about several design and interior flaws and we are saying that the section will be addressed before the end of construction and before practical handover, although the DA is not very clear on the so-called flaws,” Ramathuba said.
On the kitchen set-up in the dining hall, Ramathuba said they are not sure what the DA means by inadequate and are awaiting further explanation.
She stressed that they could have completed the project in May this year but they could not find a suitable contractor in December last year. “That is why the process has been delayed for this year. It could have been finalised by May or April. But the delay was as a result we could not find a suitable contractor in December when we advertised. Now the suitable contractor has been found, you can see we are with them, they have already started the work. There is a clear plan. These issues that I am raising here were already presented to the portfolio committee. That is why we didn’t go with a detailed report why we are having a swimming pool for instance, why we have such type of furniture,” Ramathuba said and added that once the centre reaches completion it will be able to address the scourge of drug abuse in the province.
“This centre will come to the aid of all those who are struggling with drugs and having challenges. They will be rehabilitated here. The project means a lot to us because the scourge of drugs it is a problem to me and to the entire team and the whole government. The Premier always asks me about the report of this facility. He wants it on a weekly base. He wants to know how far are we because drugs are destroying our country,” Ramathuba said.

Story & photos: Herbert Rachuene
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