LOCAL CARE FOR MOMS AND BABIES

Northam - The ground-breaking ceremony for the R33 million Northam Clinic upgrade project on 2 April was attended by several dignitaries, to celebrate what can be achieved through caring and cooperation. 

The project was initiated by Northam Clinic’s committee and will see 15 more consulting rooms and a new maternity section being added to the clinic. Apart from construction, furniture and medical equipment is also being funded.

Northam Clinic has community healthcare centre status and offers 24-hour services. This investment will increase its capacity.

The addition of the maternity section will enable the clinic to handle about 50 births per month. Women giving birth will now be able to use this local facility, which will be more convenient and will save both them and the government money.

The project shows how much more can be achieved when people work together. Anglo American Platinum; the Dikuno Tsa Sechaba Community Development Trust; the Godisang Trust; the Department of Health, Limpopo; the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust; and the Thabazimbi Local Municipality all collaborated to make this upgrade possible.

To promote transparency, the project partners have established a steering committee, which has done an excellent job of overseeing the appointment of a professional team, main contractors and project resources.

At least 30% of the work value on this one-year project is set aside for local companies and at least 40% of the material procurement will come from Northam and its surrounds. The project aims to create 42 temporary jobs in construction. 

The Limpopo Department of Health will resource the additional capacity once the upgrade is complete. No less than 28 professional nurses, two resident doctors and an allied dental, optometry, pharmaceutical, physiotherapy and hygienist team will be appointed or transferred to the clinic.

Dikuno Tsa Sechaba Community Development Trust chairperson Harry Monye said: “This is a very proud day for us.

Not only will the health of the community benefit, but this will also create more job opportunities, which will lead to a thriving community.

”Godisang Trust chairperson Kgomotso Qelengele added: “This project is a good example of successful collaboration by funders to achieve a bigger community impact.

We will continue to channel resources towards projects to provide the Northam community and Thabazimbi residents with the facilities they deserve, and more.” 

SIOC Community Development Trust project manager Jan Lottering concluded: “This is a huge injection for the Northam community and will benefit everyone.

I am very proud and excited to be part of this project and will make sure that the new clinic is up to standard for the people of this community.”