The City of Tshwane Health Department confirmed that services at Olievenhoutbosch and Lotus Gardens clinics are being disrupted because of water shortages.
The MMC responsible for Health, Rina Marx said in a statement on Wednesday said the department has noted with concern recent Rand Water supply challenges affecting Tshwane adding that if the shortages are prolonged, the impact of primary healthcare services would be dire.
“On 3 July 2023, the City of Tshwane Health Department had to close Olievenhoutbosch Clinic due to water shortages. After the water supply was restored, the clinic reopened on the morning of 4 July 2023. Similarly, Lotus Gardens Clinic has been experiencing a water shortage. Arrangements are currently being made to fill the backup water tank at the facility. The clinic is temporarily open for operations,” she added.
Marx said hand washing is not possible after performing clinical procedures as per the infection and control policy, ablution facilities cannot be flushed and the administration of single dose medication is not possible as patients cannot be offered water to ingest the prescribed treatment.
However, the City said it has entered into “technical engagement with Rand Water” that aims to ensure that water supply is restored to affected areas.
Marx said she welcomes the City’s intervention for water to be restored to all affected areas adding that the Health Department will keep communities informed should the situation force the closure of any facility.
“It is therefore imperative that the water supply be restored to mitigate the possible closure of clinics and to ensure business continuity. Furthermore, cleanliness at our 24 primary healthcare facilities cannot be compromised,” said Marx.
The City of Tshwane said the following reservoirs were affected by water shortages due to Rand water supply challenges:
- Klapperkop North and South
- Lotus Gardens
- Heuweloord
- Mnandi South
- Bakenkop East and West and Bakenkop Tower
- Mooikloof
- Sunderland Ridge
- Salvokop
- Rooihuiskraal.
