Pretoria - Several new construction projects worth billions are expected to take off in the new financial year, in a bid to improve KwaZulu-Natal health infrastructure.
In his report to the Health Portfolio Committee, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said his department would construct new projects in the new financial year worth billions of rands. About 400 artisans would be employed to improve capacity within the department and maintain its infrastructure.
The new projects include:
* R1.6 billion for the new Dr Pixley ka Seme Regional Hospital in the INK (Inanda Ntuzuma and KwaMashu) area
* A new pharmaceutical depot worth about R450 million
* The refurbishment of Addington Hospital worth R200 million
* Four new Community Healthcare Centers in Jozini, Umzimkhulu, Danhauser and Pomeroy
* Neonatal and labour wards at Stanger Hospital worth R150 million
* The refurbishment of a Durban Regional Laundry worth R171 million
* The refurbishment of the out-patient department and casualty unit at Escourt Hospital worth R141 million
Dhlomo further reported that 215 posts, including chief works inspectors, artisan foreman (electrical and mechanical), artisans (bricklaying, fitter, painter, carpenter and electricians), tradesman's aid and handyman, are currently advertised.
During the 2010/11 financial year, the Health Portfolio Committee raised concerns over the under-expenditure of the Hospital Revitalisation Grant, where only 42 percent of the R500 million was spent by January 2011.
Currently, the department reported that it has spent 78 percent of the total allocation of R427 million and would spend the remainder of the budget by the end of the financial year.
The department also reported that there were delays in the procurement of machinery due to supply chain management processes and delivery delays as most equipment was ordered from abroad.
