New hospital to open in March

Construction on 100-bed Melomed private hospital on John Ross Parkway makes headway

Mia Moorcroft

August 22, 2016

ZULULAND’S new private hospital, the Melomed Richards Bay Hospital situated at the John Ross Eco Junction, is right on schedule to open its doors in March next year.

Speaking at the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Richards Bay divisional meeting on Thursday, JHI Regional Broker Manager Trevor Martin said construction of the 100-bed, 10 000m2 medical facility should be completed by the end of this year.

‘We expect it would take two to four months to get the hospital fully kitted out and staffed with around 120 full-time employees.

‘Construction on the project has created around 200 direct and indirect jobs, with 75% of the staff being local workers.

‘We have also been sourcing construction supplies such cement from local companies.’

However, Chamber members questioned why local architects and engineers were not contracted for the project.

‘We have very competent professionals able to do the work and who possess the necessary knowledge about the climate and environment,’ said Dave Whittaker.

Frans van der Walt added that the exclusion of local companies in major developments such as the John Ross Eco Junction often end in businesses closing down.

Martin assured members he would convey their views to Liberty Property’s asset manager, Stanlib.