GEORGE NEWS - The Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, is satisfied with the progress made with the construction of the new Thembalethu Day Care Centre. 

On Tuesday 24 October, Mbombo visited the nearly complete building, which is expected to be operational in July next year.

The visit is part of her tour in the Eden District to meet municipal councillors and to report to them on various health issues in the region. 

She said she wanted to see the progress made on the new health centre in Thembalethu.

"It is noticeable that they have progressed and they are moving faster. I am definitely reassured that by March next year we will get the keys to the centre," she said.

Mbombo also met with the Thembalethu Health Committee members and ANC Councillor Langa Langa. 

Though the committee and Langa also welcome the progress made, they raised some concerns about the functioning of the clinic.

"Minister, we would have loved the centre to cater for emergencies and also be open for 24 hours so that people can have more access. 

The inside of the nearly completed new Thembalethu Day Care Centre.

"George has a shortage of ambulances, one waits for hours for the ambulance to reach you. 

"If this clinic can be open 24 hours and weekends it will be convenient for the locals," said Langa.

Mbombo responded that the daycare centre is also built for emergencies and it has parking spaces for ambulances. However, for this financial year (2016/17), such services have not been budgeted for.

"We are not ruling out the possibility of making this daycare centre function for 24 hours. 

The Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, addresses community members.

"Lots of things will be considered before the opening of the centre; we will also look at the 2018/19 financial budget and see if it does allow us to add more services to the centre," said Mbombo.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS: ZOLANI SINXO, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

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