As part of my oversight role as MMC for Health in the City of Tshwane, I recently undertook an oversight visit to Lusaka Clinic in Mamelodi, which is currently under construction. The purpose of the visit was to get an appraisal of the state of progress and challenges experienced with the project.
This capital project is earmarked for completion by July 2023 and R49 million has been allocated for this purpose in the 2022/23 budget.
During my oversight visit, the project manager indicated that, as of 8 August 2022, the project stood at 80,5% towards completion of the main building construction. The roof is up with plumbing and electrical work also underway.
Lusaka Clinic will make a significant impact in the community of Mamelodi and surrounding areas by providing much-needed quality health services. The facility will have 21 consulting rooms, which will include chronic, acute, and mother and child wards. In addition, there will be a full dispensary, emergency room and all auxiliary functions that will be provided at the facility. It will also alleviate pressure on clinics in surrounding areas.
To date, the project has created over 50 temporary employment opportunities for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers. The clinic will also be a flagship project for the City of Tshwane as it will be the first green clinic of its kind. The clinic was designed around the green building principles, including central courtyards to bring in fresh air, solar installations for lighting and water heating, water storage and external shading to reduce heat transfer.
All stakeholders involved understand the importance of ensuring timely completion and quality standards of the project. Professional service providers are appointed to provide supervision and monitoring services to ensure quality and timely delivery. Inspections by the City’s building inspector continues to ensure that the building complies with the City’s standards and regulations.