Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance on Friday called for Auditor General Terence Nombembe to investigate the delayed construction Soweto’s Jabulani Hospital.

DA MP Dion George said in a statement he would ask Nombembe to investigate the delays and the awarding of the tender for its construction.

George, DA Gauteng MPL Jack Bloom, and MP Patricia Kopane picketed outside the hospital on Friday.

He said he would ask Parliament’s public accounts standing committee chairman Themba Godi to summon Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane to Parliament to provide answers for the delays.

George said the initial contract for the hospital was awarded in 2006, with the deadline for completion in 2008. The deadline was then moved to April 1, 2013 while the budget doubled from R335 million and R680m.

Gauteng health department acting head Ndoda Biyela responded: “We are still on track to opening the hospital in this financial year, 2013/14”.

Biyela said construction processes in the health sector were complex and sensitive to a number of factors, including changes in population size, the area’s disease profile, and new priorities.

“With new priorities on maternal and child care, for an example, we have had to do away with two theatres to make way for a maternity unit that is in line with new standards of care,” Biyela said. – Sapa