Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government has once again failed the residents of Mohlakeng in Randfontein, as the R289 million Randfontein Healthcare Centre is still not functional. Construction on the centre began in 2018 with the project meant to be completed in 2020 at a projected budget of R255 million. As a result of the unnecessary delays in completing the clinic, Mohlakeng residents, who are in dire need of healthcare services, are forced to travel at least 12 kilometres to access medical treatment.
Despite the Department of Health shifting the opening date to 30 June 2025, the centre is still closed nearly a year later.
This is one of many failures of Lesufi’s government to deliver critical infrastructure within the stipulated timelines to the residents.
During a recent oversight inspection, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng found that subcontractors are no longer on site to complete the construction due to non-payment. Furthermore, security guards have not been paid for seven months.
Mohlakeng residents and surrounding communities have waited for years watching a state-of-the-art healthcare facility stand incomplete while existing clinics remain overcrowded and under immense pressure. The department previously acknowledged that delays were linked to contractor cash flow problems and the non-payment of subcontractors and employees. The residents continue to face endless delays while costs continue to escalate.
The DA Gauteng has already submitted questions to the MEC for Health, Faith Mazibuko, to determine why the subcontractors and security guards have not been paid, and when will this health care centre be completed.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would focus on expanding private-public partnerships with non-governmental and private healthcare providers who can complete facilities and ensure services reach communities faster. Furthermore, we would implement our Infrastructure Master Plan that would have rigorous oversight, clear accountability, and effective project management on critical infrastructure projects like healthcare facilities.
Our residents deserve a DA-led Gauteng provincial government committed to deliver healthcare services within their communities.