Orchards Clinic on Louis Botha Avenue in Orange Grove has undergone several challenges in the past two years delaying its completion.
In a statement from the City of Johannesburg, new contractors have been appointed as of 21 September and construction had resumed. In 2018, a new engineer was appointed to create a design solution for construction as a corrective measure following allegations of structural under-design by the previously appointed engineer.
In March last year, remedial works were undertaken and Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) focused on ensuring that the structure complied with the new structural design. Construction was once again suspended after the then main contractor failed to meet the September 2019 deadline to complete construction of the clinic after taking over the site in April 2019.
MMC for Development Planning Lawrence Khoza said, “This project has had various challenges in the past, but we are happy that JDA has had the courage to intervene and make sure that the relevant steps were taken to make sure that this project is back on track.” Once completed, the clinic will consist of 20 consulting rooms, emergency facilities, antenatal, ARV and TB service facilities as well as a courtyard, office space and parking area for staff and patients.
The building will also incorporate environmentally friendly features allowing for rainwater harvesting, solar heating and maximal use of natural light and ventilation, as well as a vegetable garden.
Orchards Clinic forms part of the four new clinics identified for upgrades as part of the Corridors of Freedom programme. The clinic is situated on the Louis Botha section of the programme where the City is currently rolling out Rea Vaya BRT-related infrastructure, which will connect multiple transport nodes from the inner-city to Orange Grove, Alexandra and Sandton.
JDA chief executive officer Anthony Ngcezula said, “JDA remains committed to completing the clinic which will offer greatly improved healthcare services to residents of Orange Grove and neighbouring suburbs.”
The infrastructure along this corridor promotes economic activities, recreational spaces and access to health within walkable precincts anchored by transit facilities.
