This, after the hospital has remained a white elephant after being under construction for more than a decade with millions unaccounted for. The hospital is reported by the DA to still be far from being operational despite Premier Sylvia Lucas’ commitment that the facility would have been opened by the end of last year.

Following the tabling of the 2019 provincial budget speech earlier today, which will see the health department receive R5,2 billion for the 2019/20 fiscal year, Jack confirmed to OFM News that the province had not budgeted for operational expenses of the institution hence it is still not open. He says although he allocated R10 million towards the operation of the hospital during his adjustment budget last year, the amount is not sufficient. Jack says the hospital is complete and they are now working on raising funds to speed up the process of opening it.

The construction of the 286-bed hospital began in 2006 and was initially earmarked R290 million to be completed. Its costs have, however, over the years ballooned to nearly R2 billion. The hospital was supposed to be handed over to the provincial health department in 2008, but the project got delayed several times, partly due to legal disputes between contractors and the Provincial Department of Public Works.

Jack says they are engaging with the national department on the operation of the hospital and is certain the hospital will soon be opened.

He says they are overall working on measures to upgrade infrastructure in the province and are hopeful that the planned infrastructure development programmes will also help create employment for the youth.

OFM News