Residents of Matloding in Ward 4 of the Ratlou Local Municipality, outside Mahikeng, can now access healthcare services closer to home, 15 years after their local clinic was destroyed during community protests.
The Matloding Clinic was burnt down by community members in 2011, leaving residents without a permanent healthcare facility in the area.
The destruction placed an additional burden on vulnerable residents, particularly elderly people and pregnant women, who were forced to travel approximately three kilometres to the neighbouring village of Logageng to access basic medical services.
In an effort to continue providing healthcare to the community, the North West Department of Health erected park homes as temporary structures while the damaged clinic underwent refurbishment.
The newly renovated facility, which serves approximately 3,200 residents, was officially opened by North West MEC for Health Sello Lehari on Wednesday. The reopening marks the end of a 15-year period during which the community had to rely on temporary arrangements and seek healthcare services outside Matloding.
The North West Department of Health has urged community members to protect and maintain the facility to ensure that it continues serving residents. The department also stressed the importance of community ownership in safeguarding the clinic and ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services.
The department said the restored facility is expected to improve access to healthcare for the Matloding community and reduce the burden previously experienced by residents who had to travel outside the village for medical assistance.
