Montsho Matlala reports – Health-e News: IN SUMMARY
- Water Shortages: St Ritas Hospital in Limpopo has faced ongoing water shortages since 2022 after locals damaged the pipeline in a protest.
- Workers’ Frustration: Hospital staff are threatening to block water trucks, demanding a permanent solution, such as boreholes.
- Inconsistent Water Supply: Nurse Kabelo Mmone says, “I have never finished a week without a water problem.” Workers claim water trucks only arrive after protests.
- Health Risks: Without water, sanitation becomes unbearable, risking diseases. Nurse Jay Sebalo highlights contamination in the water tanks with mud and dead insects found in the water.
- Department Response: The provincial health department says boreholes may not work due to the area’s dryness and states that water quality is regularly tested.
- Hospital Board: Chairperson Sam Malaka admits the hospital relies on water trucks during pipeline issues and has requested a borehole, but no action has been taken yet.
- Temporary Solution: Water trucks are seen as an interim measure, but the need for a permanent fix remains urgent.
