THE severe thunderstorms with strong gale force winds and heavy rains in Durban last Tuesday, caused extensive infrastructural damage and flooding at health facilities.
The Health Department assessed the damage soon after the storm.
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Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said as a department, they have a report that outlines their assessment finding, remedial actions, recommendations and estimates for funding required for the restoration of the health facilities to a functional state.
St Mary’s Hospital in Mariannhill and KwaDabeka Community Health Centre were the two health facilities in the Highway area that were assessed.
In KwaDabeka Health Centre, replacement of its ceilings, light fittings, smoke detector, wall repainting and replacement of ceramic floor tiles are needed which will cost R900 000.
At St Mary’s Hospital, the damage is estimated at R1.5 million as it includes provision of roof coverings over leaking flat roofs, replacement of rehab construction joints as well as repairs on the asbestos roofs.
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The fixing of all health facilities around Durban requires R98.200 million which will necessitate the involvement of the Department of Public Works, the Treasury Crack Team as well as the Department of Health.
Dhlomo said he appreciates generous gestures made by the private hospitals who offered to make their facilities available in case the department had the need to transfer some of the patients.
