A resident of Wolmaransstad Gideon Dipheko said the hospital has remained in a state of decay for over five years, despite repeated complaints from the community. The decline includes a lack of running water, no hot water, and bathrooms that contain human waste.

“They keep on making promises they will take care of the situation,” said Dipheko

He said his fiancée, who was referred to the hospital for diabetes on Tuesday (21/4), was forced to wash using a small bucket of cold water. The physical condition of the building has reached a point where water leaks across floors, creating hazards for those inside.

Due to the shortage of functional beds and the poor condition of the wards, some patients are reportedly sleeping on the floor. Dipheko said this includes a mother with a baby who had to sleep on a wet surface due to the leaking infrastructure. 

Although cleaners are present at the hospital, the resident claims the overall sanitation of the site continues to worsen.

The state of the baths because there is always a lack of running water. Photo supplied 

Records of the hospital’s status suggest maintenance budgets are allocated, yet no visible improvements have occurred for half a decade. A protest regarding the deteriorating conditions took place last year, but Dipheko alleged the promises made by management during that period remain unfulfilled.

“There are more than 100 patients just like my fiancée who experience the same situation.” He described the current environment as a violation of legal standards and human dignity.

Dipheko is calling on the department of health to investigate the management of the hospital and is requesting that the South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) examine the site. 

The community demands accountability for the lack of repairs. 

Patients are allegedly given a small bucket to wash themselves. Photo supplied

OFM News has requested to speak with a representative from Klerksdorp Hospital to address these specific allegations, but was not assisted in reaching the management for comment.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane dg

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