Cape Town: More than R56 million in capital budget allocation earmarked various upgrades to clinics, Environmental Health facilities and general security measures, amongst others. The draft budget is currently open for public comment, until May 02, 2025.
Health Department of the City of Cape Town mandatorily provide municipal health or environmental health services and personal primary health service options.
Reportedly, the department oversees nearly 80 clinics across the metropole, while there are over 200 Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) who monitor and manage all areas where the environment and public health intersect.
In a bid to further improve on its service offerings, the City Health Department has proposed to spend over R56 million in the next financial year on a range of priorities, including R27,840,000 on upgrades of a number of facilities.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the proposed works at Ikhwezi is particularly pressing. These upgrades were meant to happen nearly five years ago, but were delayed by an act of arson that destroyed a significant part of the building.
Higham also mentioned that the major focus was initially upon getting Ikhwezi back up and running. And now, if the budget is approved, the work can finally begin with providing the community with an even bigger and better facility.
Also, it is a reminder of how vulnerable community facilities are, and why it is so important for residents to take an active interest in safeguarding them. Councillor Higham ensured them that they hope that the public are able to see what it means for them to propose these investments. Improved service offerings, shorter waiting times, and healthier communities, it includes ’em all.
Francine Higham also cleared that they are really excited for this newly designed budget and what is planned in this. She explained that she also encouraged everyone to have a closer look and have their say. The public comment period will close on May 02, 2025, so she urged all to get involved before it’s too late.