More than five years after the massive fire engulfed parts of Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, the delayed repairs have still not been completed, much to the frustration of Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, who paid an unannounced visit to the facility last week, reports EWN.
The 2021 blaze – which saw 800 patients being evacuated – also destroyed valuable medical supplies worth more than R40m, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and equipment.
In a report earlier this year, Gcaleka found there had been unnecessary delays to the completion of the repairs, and during her visit last week, she watched as hundreds of patients, visitors and staff continue to navigate their way around the facility, with only a few security personnel available to assist them.
Asked if the repairs would be completed and handed over on 2 December as originally planned, acting CEO Dr Zakhele Zitha answered: “That is the communication we have received, but there were some challenges with the project. However, the province is the custodian of the project, and it would be in a better position to give an indication.”
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Arson suspicion in second Charlotte Maxeke fire reignites concerns about its future
What really happened in the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital fire
Phaahla: Crime has delayed repairs to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital