New hospital along Beyers Naudé Drive is set to open by the end of the year
The Johannesburg Surgical Hospital has addressed some concerns raised by residents and the ward councillor.
For months now residents and motorists alike have wondered about the massive construction project along Beyers Naudé Drive in Northcliff.
The new Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, set to open towards the end of the year, will be a private 150-bed facility that will ‘deliver superior clinical outcomes’ for its patients, according to spokesperson Leandi Tereblanche.
A second development, the Northcliff Medical Complex (NMC), is due to open early next year.
Residents have raised concerns about the hospital’s lack of communication with them, particularly as it relates to impact assessments, raised traffic in the area, and damage to surrounding roads by heavy-duty construction vehicles.
Licence holder Dr Jaco Strobos said, “We fully understand and appreciate the concerns raised by the community,” and emphasised the building had followed due process, including public notices and relevant zoning approvals from the city.
“Community representatives and Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker had a series of visits and meetings this past month where they raised questions,” said Tereblanche.
Jonker said, “The hospital sounds amazing. I know there have been a lot of queries and complaints, but it seems like the hospital has considered many of these challenges and we look forward to such a prestigious facility in our area.”
Nearby roads have been badly damaged by heavy-duty construction vehicles with the hospital committing itself ‘in collaboration with other construction projects in the area’ to helping repair any affected areas.
One area of concern for locals was the impact of traffic coming to and from the site with entrances along Beyers Naudé Drive. Tereblanche said, “While the hospital does not have jurisdiction over illegal parking on main roads, it will encourage public transportation to make use of on-site parking. “
She says a stringent traffic impact assessment was carried out by the Johannesburg Roads Agency and ‘traffic flow measures will be implemented during busy times like patient admission slots in the early mornings and visiting hours’.
Others have raised concerns over construction taking place after hours. “To expedite the project completion to ensure the timely removal of construction vehicles from the area, it has become necessary to carry out construction activities after hours. The hospital acknowledges that unplanned and delayed construction activities have inconvenienced the community and understands the importance of addressing this issue with sensitivity.”
Hospital manager Alex Daneel said, “We firmly believe the hospital will be an invaluable asset to the Northcliff community, and Gauteng.”
Below are additional concerns raised, and how they are being dealt with:
- Ample parking will be available, with an open deck for the NMC being illuminated by low-impact lights
- Double-glazed windows will curb noise pollution
- Block-out blinds will prevent light pollution in the evenings
- Two days’ worth of water supply will be on-site to handle any outages
- A dedicated City Power transformer will supply electricity
- Uninterrupted electricity will be available via solar rooftop panels and three noise-buffering generators
- Employees are essential workers and are not permitted to strike.
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