The cash injection of R5,2 million rands to the Nessie Knight hospital in Qumbu has yielded positive results as the hospital now has a new facelift.
This will bring back normality and people of Mhlontlo Local Municipality will be served with dignity and humility they deserve. The male, female, TB wards and Umhlobo building were targeted due to cracked walls, worn floors, broken windows and ablution facilities which needed much care.
The Umhlobo building was demolished and reconstructed to give it more facelift. The building alone provisioned 18 beds for Covid 19 patients with four (4) of those being high care beds. The building now has a new treatment utility, a store room, linen room, kit room, staff ablution facilities, showers, a sluice room, duty room, male and female wards, ramp and aprons, rain water goods and electrical, mechanical and plumbing works.
The male, female and TB wards were also given facelift. The work done on these wards included plastering, plumbing, removing and replacing floor finishes, removing and replacing windows, changing doors and locks and electrical works.
Carpentry and joinery work, new ceilings, ironmongery, mechanical, filling of floors and plumbing, window panes and electrical installation was done.
The rehabilitation of the four (4) wards of the hospital has now yielded 38 beds for Covid 19 patients.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Nondabula said “I am happy with the renovations taking place at the hospital, especially now that I see great progress. I see that our patients will now get to be admitted in a facility that looks, feels and up to standard like the private hospital. Our environment will now be a conducive one, making it encouraging for both nursing staff and patients.”
“The department could not leave anything to chance. We had to make sure that all hospitals are refurbished within time frames and within budget. Even where there were challenges, we were swift in addressing them” said the head of Department, Thandolwethu Manda.
The Contractor was under immerse pressure to deliver within specified timeframe.
Dr. Vuyelwa Ntshangese, a medical doctor at the hospital said, “Public Works and Infrastructure has given the community of Qumbu a great gift, by providing the community with facilities. When I first got to the hospital I will not lie it was a very scary experience especially after seeing the buildings I would have to work in. But thanks to Public Works and Infrastructure, I will now will be able to deliver my services to my utmost best.
The Contractor was under immerse pressure to deliver within specified timeframe.
The Covid-19 Hospital refurbishing project has to date benefitted 73 health care facilities, all of which have been completed at a total cost of R317,732 million. In the process 85 Eastern Cape based Contractors received contracts to the value of R590,4 million. The environment created 152 sub-contracts for Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises(SMMEs) to the values of R47,5 million.
“I am happy that the Hon MEC keeps on coming in person to check progress and keeps the promises he makes. Serving in this hospital board for several years, it has been my wish for this hospital to be refurbished. I am delighted that finally the hospital has been refurbished” said Sk Makinana, a chairperson of the hospital board and community
Article by: Zuko Mankazana
Picture by: Sibusiso Blayi
