The department of public works is building a multi-million rand hospital in Trompsburg in an effort to increase access to health care for local residents.

The MEC for public works, Sisi Mabe, has praised all the parties involved in the building of the 73-bed Trompsburg district hospital. Mabe said the construction of the hospital will benefit a substantial number of patients who had to travel long distances to get health care.

She said it was difficult for sick people in the area to get help in Bloemfontein, which is about 100 km from Trompsburg and also too far from many other areas in the Xhariep District Municipality.

The hospital will be equipped with all the essential health facilities, including maternity and paediatric wards; rehabilitation and occupational therapy facilities; pharmacy, X-Rays, linen bank; emergency service quarters; an administration block; male and female wards, as well as a kitchen.

Mabe said she hopes the project will be completed in September this year.

According to the MEC, 80 percent of the construction has been completed so far with R281-million of the budgeted R287-million already been spent. The construction of the hospital started in January 2011.

An official report from the Mabe’s office said at least 6 708 people were employed over the duration of the project, 2 039 of whom were men while 142 were women. Hundred and forty young men and 802 young women were employed. Only 29 workers are employed permanently.

“The most important thing is that this project has included people from this area,” said Mabe.

The Kopanong Local Municipality mayor, Xolile Matwa, who was also part of the MEC’s entourage during her visit to the site recently, said he was proud that the residents of Trompsburg and people from the neighbouring towns will finally have a state-of-the-art hospital at their disposal.

Matwa said currently doctors come once a week to see patients because they complain about lack of accommodation and other amenities in the area.

“I am proud because, the Xhariep district and the Kopanong residents will finally have their own hospital,” said Matwa.