Central SA
Maluti-a-Phofung to build private hospital in Phuthaditjhaba─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:01 Mon, 02 Jun 2025
The Maluti-a-Phofung municipality has plans for infrastructure development to improve essential services such as roads, water, sanitation, and electricity for residents.
Mayor Malekula Melato announced several projects the municipality will embark on when she delivered the state of the municipality address and the 2025/26 budget speech.
One of the construction projects was the construction of a private hospital in Bluegumbosch. The start of construction was not mentioned when she delivered her speech in the Phuthaditjhaba multi-purpose hall on Thursday (29/5).
“Previously, I assured the people of Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP) that I am committed to serving you and will do anything to prioritise the municipality above myself,” said Melato. “I have shared this commitment, and I will always uphold it.”
The budget was being tabled amid serious national and local economic challenges, she said. Unemployment is still high, inflation continues to impact our communities, and service delivery has stalled in many places.
She added that the government is making bold investments in visible, tangible infrastructure that directly benefits communities. One such upcoming project is a private hospital in Bluegumbosch, which has already received approval from the Department of Health.
Melato tabled the municipality’s R2.6 billion budget, which will be allocated. Water and sanitation were allocated R63.5 million for upgrades in various areas, R39.9 million for rural electrification, R51.3 million for road rehabilitation, and R13.2 million for stadium upgrades.
“The DA in MaP is happy to hear that a private hospital is opening in Phuthaditjhaba, although we have reservations on whether the municipality can guarantee a sustainable supply of water and electricity,” said MaP DA Cllr Eleanor Quinta.
“Monapo and Elizabeth Ross hospitals have constant problems in this regard, and we feel that investment and infrastructure are required.”
The executive mayor also outlined plans to explore a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to develop a mixed-use township. The proposed development will include businesses, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas.
It will also accommodate low- to medium-high-income earners. “We will develop new township and residential projects to address the major housing challenges within the municipality,” she said.
