Is Joburg Hospital at risk of collapse?
Department still hasn't repaired fifth floor of the building, which was reported in 2012.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow for Health Jack Bloom says he is concerned by the news that a 2012 report on structural defects at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital warned that the X-ray department should be evacuated as it could collapse.
According to the report, there are structural defects on the fifth floor of the building and it recommends R50 million worth of urgent repairs.
“It is very disturbing that the province’s chief engineer Tsepo Matekane was only made aware of this report three weeks ago when a radio station started asking questions on it.
“Why was this report suppressed for so long?,” said Bloom.
Matekane says that the building will not collapse and that necessary repairs will be done.
Bloom said, “We need to know why his assessment differs from the 2012 assessment, both reports need to be made publicly available.
“Staff have been concerned for some time by other structural problems at this hospital, including leaking ceilings.
“Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu should release all relevant reports on the structural integrity of this hospital.
“There should not be any public doubt about the safety of the hospital building.”
