An assessment on the progress of the renovation to the operating theatres and ICU unit at the Boitumelo Regional Hospital in Kroonstad was conducted by the DA.
According to the assessment that took place during the week of 8 April, the new intensive care unit (ICU) is still closed off with “Under Construction” and “Construction in Progress” signs, but no contractor on site.
Only two operating theatres of the primary theatre complex, consisting of five operating rooms, are in use. The maternity ward theatre, which was also utilised in emergencies, is also not in use due to a broken air-conditioner.
Signs warning visitors of collapsing ceilings are still up, along with visible thereof. According to information from the assessment, the serious water leaks in the theater complex is still a big issue. In the passages of the hospital, evidence of the water leaks is visible. The elevators are also closed off.
“Last year when we conducted an on-site visit, the DA was informed that the main operating theatres will be fully operational and ready for use by 22 September 2023,” says Mariette Pittaway, DA spokesperson on health in the Free State Legislature.
In November, the DA and members of the Social Services committee cluster, which includes the health department, accompanied the committee on an oversight to ascertain the progress of this contract.
The committee reported back that a new contractor was appointed and that the new ICU would be ready by December last year.
However, on another follow-up oversight visit by Chris Dalton, DA councilor in Moqhaka, there was no sign of the newly appointed contractor at the hospital with no construction having taken place since December.
Pittaway says they will submit questions to the MEC of Health, Mathabo Leeto, on the absence of the contractor and halting of construction. The DA will continue to conduct oversight visits on the progress of this contract.
