The Jouberton-based Tshepong hospital was left flooded on Monday (26/1) evening, between 19:00 and 20:00, following heavy rainfall. Images and videos showing several hospital wards submerged in water were widely circulated on social media platforms. 

The flooding occurred shortly after renovations were completed in the hospital’s casualty unit. Areas affected included parts of the emergency (casualty), outpatient, and radiology departments.

The hospital immediately activated its disaster management plan to ensure patient safety and continuity of care, said North West health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane. 

“Patients in affected areas were promptly assessed and safely relocated to appropriate admission wards and other functional sections of the hospital, including radiology. Through the collective efforts of hospital staff and emergency services, the emergency department was cleared of water and was fully operational again by 03:00 on Tuesday.”

Health MEC Sello Lehari commended the swift and coordinated response by hospital management, staff, and emergency services. “We are encouraged by the decisive and professional manner in which this incident was handled.

Floods at Tshepong hospital in Jouberton near Klerksdorp. Photo supplied

“The immediate activation of disaster management protocols ensured that no patients were harmed and that essential services were restored within hours. This reflects our commitment to protecting lives, even under challenging circumstances.”

While hospital operations have since returned to normal, the department has acknowledged that long-term solutions are necessary. The recurring flooding incidents have underscored the urgent need to upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure at Tshepong hospital, Lehari said.

The department of health has reassured the public that Tshepong hospital remains fully functional and continues to provide uninterrupted healthcare services to the surrounding community.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh