Various parties in Mangaung have urged the Department of Health and the Department of Public Works to take action on the neglected asbestos remains located behind the National Hospital. According to the parties, the site poses a health hazard and attracts criminal activity.
Earlier this year, FF Plus MP, Tammy Breedt, met with a delegation from the Free State Department of Health and highlighted issues at National Hospital, including the ongoing asbestos removal issue. Since that meeting, the party has received no response, and seemingly, no action has been taken.
Breedt expressed frustrations towards the Health Department, suggesting that the delay of the removal is due to poor management.
“I am of the opinion that the delay in the removal of asbestos, among other things, is directly due to poor management – poor management of the department by the MEC, poor management of the hospital by officials and the hospital administration – and an overall decline in service delivery.”
The DA has now joined the call for action, requesting the portfolio committee to conduct a site visit to the hazardous area behind the National Hospital. They are also demanding accountability from the MEC of Public Works and a commitment from the department to remove the asbestos rubble.
“The fence around the hospital next to the broken-down buildings has been damaged by people who come and steal on the premises. They then take the stolen property, mixed with asbestos, and spread it around the residential area, causing health hazards to the residents. The community held several street meetings complaining about the damaged fence and debris from the asbestos in the broken building,” DA spokesperson for Health in the Free State Legislature, David Masoeu, explained.
While the DA awaits answers from Health and Public Works, the FF Plus mentioned that the correct procedure to follow would be to notify the Department of Environmental Affairs to urgently appoint a contractor to remove the asbestos in compliance with the law, including the necessary safety measures.
Clement Matroos & Warren Hawkins
info@bloemfonteincourant.co.za
