While all the challenges the clinic is facing are not yet over, staff are highly relieved that at least their water supply has been restored.

Health e News reported in March that the Lephepane based health institution was experiencing a water crisis. The clinic’s water supply came from a local borehole. However, after the National Health Laboratory Services tested the water and found it to be infested with bacteria, the water was deemed undrinkable and the taps were all closed off.

The decision was taken for the  safety of the hundreds of patients that visit the clinic each day, as well as the staff who work there.

Positive response

We are happy that the department heeded our calls for help. The clinic cannot operate without water. I still don’t understand why they waited for so long to attend to the water crisis.

Lesedi Clinic Committee deputy secretary, Mpapa Rakgoale, said they are happy with the positive response by the provincial Department of Health and Mopani District Municipality.

“We are happy that the department heeded our calls for help. The clinic cannot operate without water. I still don’t understand why they waited for so long to attend to the water crisis ,but finally we can drink water,” said Rakgoale.   

“But our clinic is still falling apart. There are cracks everywhere and sometimes the clinic can goes without lights because of the long time taken for burnt out bulbs to be replaced. I have to use my own money to buy them. Also the nurses’ home is not suitable for human beings to stay in, and the security fence is damaged. We need this situation to be fixed fast before someone dies,” she added.

Limpopo Department of Health spokesperson Thabiso Teffo said someone would be sent out to have a look at the clinic and the department would then “act from there”.

And edited version of this story appeared in The Star.