By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Health, Mamdoda Sambatha said his department was at the brink of closing down the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, due to water scarcity. Sambatha said this comes after the projections of water deficit in the area.
However, he said a R5 million water project that was recently unveiled at the hospital, will be a lasting solution.
“Remember at some point, there was a possibility of closing down the hospital due to shortage of water. This comes after the Naledi Local Municipality failed to provide us with enough water supply.
“In the process of looking for options for the availability of water, we then had to drill a borehole 2km away from the hospital. We decided this on the basis of the safety of our patients and staff,” said Sambatha.
He further said the borehole will ensure there is provision of water to the hospital. Sambatha added that, as they speak, they now have enough water supply in the hospital, including the reservoir.
The Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep said the source of clean water is fundamental in the success of any healthcare institution. Groep said the new borehole will ensure that the hospital has sustainable water supply, which is essential in providing quality healthcare to the patients and maintain a hygienic environment in the process.
“In addition, we are also unveiling the newly-refurbished student accommodation. Education is the cornerstone of progress and by providing comfortable living space to our students, we are investing in the future of healthcare.
“This accommodation will not only support our students, but also fosters a sense of belonging to the community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who made this possible,” he said.
The North West University’s Director of Pharmacy, Professor Jan Steenkamp shared the same sentiments. Steenkamp said water provision continues to be a mammoth task nowadays.
“What can I say if I see a number of people in front of me facing challenges? We saw this morning that water is a major challenge for the hospital. What is all that about and what we are trying to achieve? We are here for our community and the betterment of their lives.
“To better someone’s life, there is one important aspect, which is to have a community in good health and to render the needed services. One will need a number of things and one of them is water,” he said.
Steenkamp said no healthcare facility can function without water.
The Guardian 