Provincial Health Minister Monyatso Mahlatsi steps in to tackle illegal connections in the hospital. Photo by Joseph Mokoaledi
The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, visited the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital in Phuthaditjhaba on Friday 26 July.
This was in response to serious complaints about water and electricity shortages.
The hospital is experiencing ongoing water supply problems and ongoing power outages, which unfortunately contributed to the death of a diabetic patient in intensive care.
During his visit, Mahlatsi conducted a detailed assessment of the hospital’s challenges. He discovered illegal water connections from the hospital to the nearby suburb, which were professionally installed but not authorized.
“We cannot ignore the possibility that someone within the hospital facilitated these illegal connections, diverting water from our hospital to the community. This left our patients and staff in a dire situation. We have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for these heartless acts,” Mahlatsi said.
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To address these critical issues, Mahlatsi assembled a team of professionals to conduct thorough investigations at both Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital and Elizabeth Ross Hospital.
“Our team is working with the water suppliers of Vaal Central and MAP Water, along with electrical engineers, to thoroughly assess and resolve the water and electricity challenges in QwaQwa,” he said.
The team’s efforts have already led to the identification of illegal connections and leakages within the hospital. The ongoing programme is aimed at securing sustainable water and electricity supply to health facilities across the province. The provincial Ministry of Health has been criticised on social media following the death of the diabetic patient.
Community members are very concerned about the safety of patients due to power outages and water shortages, and have therefore repeatedly requested meetings with hospital management to gain clarity and reassurance.
Joseph Mokoaledi
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