CoCT to spend millions on upgrading of its clinics

The City of Cape Town says it has set aside R12 million for the current financial year, for security upgrades at its clinics, as part of the national core standards criteria, which provide facilities with compliance certificates. Among the considerations for compliance are: facility infrastructure and resources, staffing levels, level of care provided to clients, and patient rights.

In a statement, the municipality said that the upgrades will include measures like burglar bars and doors, alarm systems, metal detectors, amongst others.

The City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia Van der Ross, said work is scheduled to get under way on two new multi-year upgrade projects at the Sir Lowry’s Pass and Tafelsig clinics.

Other projects that are carrying on from the previous financial year, she added, includes the upgrade of the TB area at Sarepta Clinic.

Projects that were completed in the last 12 months were the construction of Fisantekraal Clinic; Pharmacy extension project at Bloekombos Clinic, Extensions at Scottsdene and Masincedane Clinics, Parking lot project at Masiphumelele Clinic, Generators were installed at various clinics, Upgrades at Uitsig and Phillipi Clinics.

Van Der Ross condemned the attack on its facilities and has called on communities to report criminal activities to authorities

‘’Our clinics and other community facilities are not immune to attacks, whether it is theft and break-ins and the associated vandalism, staff being hijacked as they arrive or leave their places of work, or as we’ve witnessed in recent months, brazen armed robberies. The City is committed to ensuring the safety of staff and clients, and we are constantly re-evaluating how we can further enhance security at these facilities.’’

‘’However, ensuring that these clinics are safe spaces, is a shared responsibility. It is unacceptable that criminals think they can target the very facilities that their families rely on, and so I call on communities to speak out against these acts, but also identify those responsible when incidents happen, so that they can face the consequences of their actions,’’ she added.

Done By: Mitchum George