The DA in Limpopo has been inundated by complaints from residents about the lack of water at Elim Hospital.
It is concerning to note that the hospital is still dealing with the issue of inconsistent water supply from the municipality and water service authority, Vhembe District Municipality. This has a severe impact on the hygiene and sanitation of the hospital.
The provision of water tankers to the hospital is inconsistent and not sufficient for the hospital’s needs. The water shortage has been ongoing for years, and it is a health disaster waiting to happen.
The DA has previously carried out oversight visits at Elim Hospital and has identified the water challenges that often leave the facility unable to operate efficiently as well as leaving taps and ablution facilities dry.
The Limpopo Health Department has indicated its intention to find a solution to the issue, but they have already allowed this water problem to affect patients at the hospital for about four years with no sustainable solution forthcoming. They also indicated the possibility of closing the hospital if no solution could be reached.
We urge Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba and her department to take accountability and start acting in the best interest of the people served by Elim Hospital. We cannot afford the closure of a hospital given the province’s healthcare system, which is already oversubscribed, understaffed, under resourced, and poorly managed.
The DA will write to Ramathuba to urgently meet with the MEC’s for COGHSTA and Public Works to find a long-term and sustainable solution for the hospital.
We will continue to monitor the developments at Elim Hospital closely, the residents of Limpopo deserve to receive adequate healthcare services.