Repairs and air quality tests necessary before Charlotte Maxeke Hospital reopens
The Department expects that the repair work will be completed sometime during the week next week.
The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Property Management says that structural repairs are necessary to restore Charlotte Maxeke Hospital following the fire that broke out on 16 April.
The Department conducted a visual assessment of the site to determine the repair work that needs to be done.
According to a statement by the Gauteng Provincial Government, a decision was made to prop the collapsed slab to allow police to conduct their fire investigation which includes a forensic investigation.
“Once concluded, structural engineers will conduct a thorough condition assessment and provide a report with recommendations on remedial work that is required. This will include structural repairs,” said spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure and Property Management Bongiwe Gambu.
The Department said that they were unable to confirm how long the structural assessment will take and when the process will be completed.
“This is due to the fact that the assessment also involves laboratory tests, the results of which will determine the extent of the damage and repair work needed to be undertaken.”
On 21 April, the cleaning of the HVAC system and air ducts commenced inside the entire hospital.
“Once cleaning is complete, an air quality test will confirm that the facility is safe for occupation and use.”
“We envisage that this work will be complete sometime during the week next week,” said a statement from the Department.
The Department assures the public that fire protection systems including hydrants, extinguishers and hose reels are inspected on a monthly basis.
These inspections were apparently last conducted in March this year, according to the Department.
They said that there is a total of 1Â 003 firefighting equipment in the hospital area and 50 in the administration block. These include: 75 fire hydrants, 295 hose reels, 575 DCP fire extinguishers and 58 CO2 distribution points.
“The Department fully regrets the inconvenience this incident has created for patients and staff and management at Charlotte Maxeke and the general public. This is why the team is working around the clock to ensure that all processes are complete in order to allow the reopening of the hospital.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/361113/thorough-assessment-will-show-full-extent-of-fire-damage/ https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/361020/patients-re-directed-from-charlotte-maxeke-hospital/
