Healthy injection loading for clinic infrastructure
06 April 2025
Just over R56 million in capital budget allocation has been earmarked for various upgrades to clinics, Environmental Health facilities and general security measures, amongst others. The draft budget is currently open for public comment, until 2 May 2025. Read more below:
The City's Health Department is mandated to provide municipal health (environmental health) services and personal primary health service options.
The department oversees nearly 80 clinics across the metropole, while its more than 200 Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) monitor and manage all areas where the environment and public health intersect.
In a bid to further improve on its service offering, City Health has proposed to spend just over R56 million in the next financial year on a range of priorities, including R27 840 000 on upgrades of a number of facilities, including:
- A new courtyard roof to increase the waiting area, improve ventilation and weather protection; pharmacy upgrade, new kitchen and ablution facilities for staff at Matthew Goniwe Community Day Centre in Khayelitsha
- An extra storey extension to accommodate staff and additional consulting rooms at Tafelsig Clinic in Mitchells Plain
- New public ablutions; a larger pharmacy, expanded ARV waiting area and registry, as well as a larger parking area at Luvuyo Community Day Centre in Khayelitsha
- Improved staff and public facilities, upgrades to the pharmacy, an additional consulting room and new preparation room, as well as a new TB waiting area at Ikhwezi Community Day Centre in Strand
- Building upgrades at the Environmental Health headquarters in Bellville, and its Area South offices in Lakeside
'The proposed works at Ikhwezi is particularly pressing. These upgrades were meant to happen nearly five years ago, but were delayed by an act of arson that destroyed a significant part of the building. So the focus initially was to get Ikhwezi back up and running, and now, if this budget is approved, work can finally begin on providing the community with an even bigger and better facility.
'It is also a reminder of how vulnerable community facilities are, and why it is so important that residents take an active interest in safeguarding them. By proposing these investments, we hope that the public are able to see what it means for them. Improved service offerings, shorter waiting times, and healthier communities,' said Mayoral Community Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Apart from general upgrades, City Health has also pencilled in R20 million on upgrades required and medical equipment in terms of National Core standards.
Compliance is monitored by the Office of Health Standards Compliance, and clinics are required to meet compliance in the areas of infrastructure, resources, staffing levels, patient rights and level of care.
Among the clinics set to benefit from this National Core standards allocation, are:
- Delft South, where a new wing will be built to accommodate the existing TB facility, a new pharmacy and the reinstatement of the car park
- Elsies River, where a prefabricated structure will be replaced by a brick and mortar structure to accommodate the TB and Family Planning clinics
Other highlights in the draft capital budget are just over R6,5 million for Environmental Health equipment, furniture and office equipment, as well as IT equipment, and R2 million for security upgrades at facilities.
'We are really excited for this budget and what is planned, and I encourage everyone to have a closer look and have their say. The public comment period closes on the 2nd of May, so get involved before it's too late,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
