Persistent heavy rains and flooding have caused extensive damage to a number of health facilities in Limpopo, leaving some partially inaccessible while others are operating in precarious conditions, reports Health-e News.
Safety and security have also been compromised at some of them, with the perimeter fence collapsing at Tswinga Clinic, outside Thohoyandou, exposing the staff to criminal activity.
“Clinics are often targeted, and we are worried about a repeat of incidents like the one at Chuene Clinic last year, where nurses were abducted, robbed and raped. Anyone can now walk into the clinic,” said one nurse, adding that staff continue to work, however, despite safety fears.
Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, who visited Tswinga Clinic recently, said a maintenance team had begun urgent repairs to restore security and fix the fencing.
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has said that the estimated cost of repairing damaged facilities stands at R7m, but is expected to increase as assessments continue and further rainfall is forecast.
Services disrupted
The flooding has not only damaged infrastructure but has also disrupted access to some facilities, according to provincial secretary of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa in Limpopo, Jacob Molepo.
“There are leaking roofs, flooding buildings, and inaccessible roads. The government must urgently fix the damage so staff can work without fear of injury from debris or unsafe structures,” he said.
In the Mopani District, seven hospitals and 19 clinics were damaged, as were Bela-Bela, Ellisras, FH Odendaal and Mokopane hospitals in the Waterberg District.
In the Vhembe District, Elim Hospital – one of the largest referral hospitals in the region – suffered extensive damage, with huge sections of its roof being compromised, forcing the closure of some wards and the relocation of staff and patients.
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