LEAKING ROOF KEEPS P2.1 BILLION MASIRE HOSPITAL CLOSED
Almost a year after its anticipated opening, the state-of-the-art Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital is still to open its doors.
The 450-bed facility, which cost P2.1 billion to build, was expected to commence operations in April 2019.
The delay has been blamed on structural defects in the building as well as struggles with recruiting staff.
During a question and answer session in parliament this week, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Lemogang Kwape revealed the roof was leaking, causing flooding in the building.
Furthermore, Kwape admitted errors in the design have also been identified which impacted on the intended functionality of the structure in some parts of the building.
According to the Minister, another factor that stalled the hospital’s opening was difficulties recruiting qualified personnel.
However, Kwape remains confident this will be put right by June when the hospital is scheduled to open in phase manner.
Other phases are planned for next year and the year after until the hospital is fully operational.
Construction of the hospital started in 2010 with operations initially meant to commence in late 2017 or early 2018.
In 2017 the institute was renamed Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital in honour of the country’s late second President.
Once operational, the hospital will provide three services, being: teaching, research and health care services.