Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Hendriëtte van Huyssteen MPL.
The DA wrote to the MEC of Health, Sello Lehari, the Head of Department (HOD), Obakeng Mongale, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health in the North West Provincial Legislature, Karabo Magagane, demanding that immediate action be taken to settle the arrears of R119 000.00 owed by the Department of Health to the Rustenburg Municipality.
This is after reports that the Department of Health has been short-paying the Rustenburg Municipality, resulting in the disconnection of electricity at Karlien Park Clinic. Fortunately the DA managed to intervene and have the power restored.
Electricity may have been reconnected, but the short payment by the Department to the Rustenburg Municipality caused a cut-off in critical care and exposed the clinic’s patients to danger.
The DA demands a thorough investigation into the non-payment to the municipality, as well as to other municipalities, which may cause disruptions in service delivery at other health facilities, not only in Rustenburg but also in the entire North West province.
The DA remains dedicated to ensuring that government departments are held to account.Crucial public services must be delivered effectively and without disruption. In the spirit of transparency, good governance and service excellence, the DA will continue to fight for the people of North West to ensure that their rights are protected and their healthcare is of the highest standard.