Coega driving healthcare infrastructure development in SA worth R3.527 billion

Health infrastructure in the Eastern Cape is currently undergoing a radical transformation thanks to the Coega Development Corporation's management of several development projects valued at about R3.527-billion.

The state-owned enterprise is ensuring that these newly upgraded medical facilities are within reach for rural and disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa.

"One of the objectives of the Department of Health (DoH) programme is to implement the construction of health facilities. The country remains desperate for world-class medical facilities that will ensure better healthcare services for its growing population who solely rely on the support of the government," said Hennie van der Kolf, CDC Acting Programme Director DOH Infrastructure.

The newly upgraded Zabasa Clinic in Ukhahlamba District Community in the Eastern Cape is one of 36 health infrastructure projects that have either been delivered or which are currently under construction. It is expected that the completion of the Zabasa Clinic to the local community will take place three months from now. This former mud structure facility is being replaced and transformed into a prefabricated modular clinic.

Currently, the DoH programme is running 36 projects valued at R3.527-billion; some of these projects include 10 hospitals, four community health centres, eight replacement clinics and four modular clinics At present, projects worth R151-million that are under construction in the Eastern Cape include:

• The Vaalbank, Mahlubini, Isikhoba, Nkwenkwana and Qebe clinics in the Chris Hani District.
• The Zabasa Clinic in the Ukhahlamba District, due for completion in 2015 Q2.
• The Tabase, Khambi and Pilani clinics in the OR Tambo district - new primary healthcare facilities will replace the existing mud structures.
• The Ibika clinic, which will be handed over in 2015 Q2.

On the national front, the CDC is also delivering projects for the National Department of Health. These include eight projects valued at R260-million, which are: the Lusikisiki, Nkanga, Sakhele, Lotana, Nolita, Maxwele, Gengqe and Lutubeni clinics, which all form part of the National Health Insurance pilot projects in the OR Tambo district.

"These projects are examples of the efforts undertaken by the South African government, the National Department of Health and the Eastern Cape Department of Health to ensure that quality health care services are provided to individuals and communities," said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi.

Dr Vilakazi believes the upgraded health infrastructure and medical facilities will ensure better service delivery.

"Since the 2010 financial year, the CDC has been using our organisational expertise and skill sets to drive socio-economic development in South Africa. With regards to project management services, the CDC will continue to work as an implementing agent for infrastructure development initiatives for the state on the construction of schools, hospitals, roads, and other crucial government infrastructure," he said.

HR Pulse, 16 April 2015