30 April 2024

KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane is leading the sod-turning ceremony to mark the official start of the construction of the R69,5 million Mpolweni Clinic.

The local community is set to benefit tremendously from the new clinic, which will be completed in 18 months.

For all their lives, they have had to depend on a mobile clinic, which only comes four times per month, servicing more than 15 000 people.

The closest fixed healthcare facility, Crammond Clinic, is located 15 km away. For those who are seriously injured or ill, their only other options are Northdale Hospital (26 km away), and Appelsbosch Hospital, which is 63,5km away.

Commenting on the significance of this sod-turning ceremony, MEC Simelane says: "The arrival of this day should serve as a big sign and a welcome reminder to the people of Mpolweni and surrounding areas - and people from all over the Province that, indeed, the ANC-led Government is always serious when it says, 'We leave no one behind.'

"The construction project that is starting now, should make it clear for everyone in this beautiful Province of KwaZulu-Natal that every community matters. It should make it clear that, it is not only people in the cities and townships, that deserve better access to quality health care; but everyone, including people in the smaller towns, villages and rural areas as well."