This follows the Department of Health’s announcement to convert the clinic into a rehabilitation centre.
Patients making use of the Sgodi Clinic, will have to use the newly opened Daveyton East Clinic which is 3km from the Sgodi Clinic.
Speaking for TAC, Portia Serote says they are against the closure of the clinic, mainly because it is far for people to get to the new clinic and it will not accommodate all the patients from different sections in Daveyton.
“Already some coming from other sections in the community have to climb four taxi’s to get to the Sgodi Clinic, now it means they will have to take an extra taxi to get to the new clinic.
“What angers us as a community is that we were never made aware about the decision to convert the clinic and after numerous meetings to tell the Department of Health that we are not happy, they still went ahead,” says Serote.
DA Ward Clr Nicola da Silva explains that they as party conducted a door to door petition asking residents if they are happy with the closure of the clinic.
“Most residents were either not aware that the clinic was going to be closed or not happy about it being closed,” says Da Silva.
Residents say it is a good idea for the community to have a rehabilitation centre close by as there is a hike in substance abuse in the community but another building should be identified for this facility.
“Sick people outnumber people who are abusing drugs, so it makes no sense that a clinic should be shut to accommodate substance abusers,” says a resident, Peter Ngwenya.
MEC of Health Cedani Mahlangu was expected to visit the area at the Mbikwa Cindi Community Hall in Sgodi Section, but she never arrived.
It was alleged that the MEC was at the Daveyton East Clinic prompting the community and organisations to go there.
“If she doesn’t want to come and address us here, we will go to her,” said the residents.
Upon arrival at the Daveyton East Clinic, the gates were locked and everyone trying to access the facility were denied entry.
