Last year it was reported that the Gauteng Department of Health would fix the ceiling leaks at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital by the end of February.
Hospital leaks to be fixed next year
It was previously reported that the hospital was plagued by persistent leaks from its ceiling and that most of the leaks identified were due to central heating pipes. Temporary measures were implemented by putting clamps around the pipes while the department continued to replace the dilapidated central heating pipes.
Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu said that repairs on the ceilings were done on a continuous basis as soon as they were detected or reported and that renovations on the central heating system needed to be done in block one, four and five and would be done during the summer months.
According to the Gauteng Health Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, work has begun and around R16.9 million has been spent in the 2016/2017 financial year, alone, on the project which includes the replacement of the pipes and roof waterproofing.
Mabona pointed out that due to the size of the hospital, they projected that the total replacement of the pipes would be completed over four years, while the roof waterproofing would be completed next year.
“Very minimal disruptions are caused whenever work takes place, [because] communication is made with the affected wards as work takes place in the inter-floors. Patient care is not compromised and healthcare professionals continue to provide quality care to patients in the respective areas,” concluded Mabona.
