Limpopo Central Hospital’s construction is on track

POLOKWANE – Construction of the Limpopo Central Hospital in Flora Park, a national project valued at approximately R5b, has been underway for just 383 days, with a projected completion date set for 2028.

Enza Construction, the contractor, is currently on track to achieve more than 18% physical progress by September 20 on the 25 hectares allocated by the Polokwane Municipality.

Project manager Deon van der Merwe assured the community that more job and business opportunities for local residents will emerge as the project advances. Significant work completed to date includes specialised earthworks to break large rocks and stormwater installations, which require rare skills.

Concerns have, however, in recent months been raised within the community regarding the apparent lack of benefits from the project for Polokwane and Limpopo residents.

Protests by community business forums and meetings with job seekers have highlighted frustrations over missed opportunities.

Last month, a business forum temporarily halted operations, demanding clarity on available job prospects.

Van der Merwe made these remarks during an oversight visit on Friday by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Health MEC Diketseng Mashego, Capricorn District Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe.

According to a presentation by the contractor, 54 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have received work between the previous and current financial years, totalling R44m.

Among these, eight companies are located in Polokwane or the Capricorn District, one is from outside Limpopo, and eight are female-owned businesses.

While some local business owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived exclusion from the project, Van der Merwe noted challenges in finding companies that meet the quality and capacity requirements outlined in the project scope. This, he said, necessitated sourcing materials from outside Limpopo in some cases.

He responded to Mpe’s enquiries about including local businesses, such as providing bricks and other supplies.

In total, 659 jobs have been created since the start of the project, with 26 of those positions held by women.

Phaahla acknowledged the concerns raised by community forums regarding financial opportunities, but differentiated them from construction mafias, which he and Van der Merwe agreed are not prevalent in Polokwane.

He cautioned that such groups often seek financial gain without contributing effort, classifying their actions as extortion and a criminal offence.