General De La Rey Hospital remains closed after being flooded

JOHANNESBURG -The General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg, North West, is still closed following floods on Sunday. 

The hospital was affected by heavy rains and its drainage system could not withstand the flooding.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi noted during a visit on Tuesday that the old building required upgrades. 

READ: Motsoaledi visits NW hospital after flooding, says climate change a factor
  
Last Sunday evening, more than 30 patients were removed from the hospital because of water that flooded the facilities. 

Two other hospitals in the province were affected by torrential rains last week but were able to resume operations. 
  
The old building has yet to open its doors to the public as it undergoes upgrades. 

"We are actually upgrading the hospital, particularly looking at the access damages and other areas of concern, particularly the drainage system that is currently being fixed by both the municipality and the provincial government," said North West Health Department spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi.
  
The department has assured the hospital will be opened sometime next week.