Tafelsig Clinic will undergo a R2 million renovation which will include upgrades to existing facilities and an extension.
This is the result of Tafelsig Clinic having reached maximum capacity with regards to clinic operational space and it is hoped the renovations will improve efficiency and service delivery.
After this was tabled at Sub-council 12’s final meeting for the year on Thursday November 17, officials visited the clinic on Friday November 18.
A total of R2 million has been set aside for professional services, such as the drawing up of building plans, for the 2022/2023 financial year and is dependent on the tender being awarded in January 2023.
The planned renovations are part of the extension of the TB section and the expansion of the pharmacy and will include a second level being added to the Tafelsig Clinic.
Because there was no professional tender in place during the 2021/2022 financial year, the City of Cape Town couldn’t provide what was required, but constructed a 14m by 3m canopy which serves as a protection against the sun and rain.
Sub-council 12 wants a closer look at the budget and funds for this project, said Ward 82 councillor Washiela Harris.
When the report was tabled, she had indicated that she wanted all councillors present at the site visit.
“We need to stand together. We also need oversight on the budget allocated,” she said.
“The Tafelsig Clinic has been doing its rounds on social media. Those complaints should make their way to the facility manager, as commenting on social media won’t help,” Ms Harris added.
Shawaal Alexander, chairperson of Tafelsig Clinic’s health committee, said he had been informed about the upgrade and extension.
“The veranda (canopy) needs to be extended as we need a bigger area for patients as well as the car parking area to be covered as that is how far the line would stretch in the morning,” he said, adding that the clinic was understaffed.
“People queue as early as 5am. It creates a grind in the service. If we can alleviate that it would run on a much smoother level,” said Mr Alexander.
Sub-council manager Mcebisi Fetu said the purpose of the site visit to Tafelsig Clinic was to ensure everyone had a clear understanding of the situation and the plans.
Clinic manager Judith Mangweni said it was important for all role players to work together for the benefit of the community. “There are many challenges of the community not understanding how the facility works. We do require support to spread the word to the community,” she said.
Ms Mangweni said the veranda which was built did not offer sufficient protection for the patients, a sentiment which was echoed by PR councillor Saul Markgraff and Ward 92 councillor Norman Adonis.
“The extension of the facility should not take this long (and) the veranda needs to be much bigger,” said Mr Adonis.
Sub-council 12 chairperson Solomon Philander said planning was essential because “we can only support at a limit in terms of budget”.
Ms Harris agreed that a proper plan needed to be put in place because there were also safety concerns. “The back gate stands open all the time as it cannot close. I’m concerned for the community and the staff’s safety. Crime is affecting the service of the clinic too,” she said.