Sedibeng's Rustervaal Clinic temporarily closed due to safety concerns

JOHANNESBURG - The Rustervaal Clinic in Sedibeng has been temporarily closed as a result of serious safety concerns.

The Gauteng Department of Health said structural damage, including a collapsing ceiling and electrical faults, forced the closure of the clinic on Monday.

As a result, patients are being transported to Market Avenue Clinic in Vereeniging for treatment.

The department said assessments are underway to determine how long repairs will take.

The clinic serves more than two-and-a-half thousand people, many from the surrounding informal settlements who depend on it for basic care.

But on Tuesday, its gates are shut and a notice from the provincial health department urges residents to seek help elsewhere.

READ: Sicelo Community in Midvaal Sedibeng welcomes new primary healthcare clinic

The Department of Labour issued a prohibition order after finding parts of the building unsafe, with dilapidated walls, a collapsing ceiling, and dangerous wiring.

Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said a shuttle service will transport patients to Vereeniging every morning at eight until the clinic can be fixed.

“Budget provision will have to be made in order to allow that work to take place but in the meantime, we have made sure their patients who are used to getting services there, they can access services at nearby healthcare facilities.”

Officials said upgrades at Rustervaal form part of a broader plan to rebuild and expand healthcare facilities across the province.