- Construction of a new health clinic in Samora Machel has begun, addressing a longstanding community need for better access to healthcare.
- Ward 33 Councillor Lungisa Somdaka highlighted the project’s benefits, including reduced travel for healthcare services, job creation, and skills development.
- The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness department aims to provide person-centred, primary healthcare services to Samora Machel and surrounding areas.
The construction of a new health facility in Samora Machel is underway as the contractors are busy levelling the ground.
The site was opened two months ago and the construction is expected to commence soon.
Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka said the construction of the clinic in the community is long overdue. He said it would uplift the standard of the neighbourhood.
“We’ve been asking the government to build a clinic in Samora. Our people walk long distances when they want to see a doctor or to get their treatment.
“Some of them go to Mzamomhle Clinic in Philippi, while others go to Hanover Park Day Clinic. But all of that will be history soon,” said Somdaka, adding that the facility would also cater for people from the surrounding communities.
Somdaka stated that the clinic would be completed in 2026. He described its construction as one of the biggest projects in the history of the area. “As we speak some of our business people are going to work here. The construction of the clinic not only opens job opportunities but also provides skills to our people. More than 60% of the subcontractors are local contractors. We are prioritising them,” he stated.
An assistant director for communication, District Health Services in the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, Monique Johnstone said the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness (WCGHW) is seeking to improve access to healthcare services for the community of Philippi and provide a comprehensive package of person-centred care to the vulnerable communities.
“This community is one of many where these health infrastructure developments are being undertaken, after many years of health service planning. This community day centre is currently being built to provide primary healthcare for the Samora and Phillipi community and surrounding areas,” said Johnstone.
She said the facility would open during the week and close on weekends and public holidays.
She said emergency care would have to be accessed at a nearby 24-hour healthcare facility.“Planning for the Weltevreden CDC infrastructure project was initiated approximately 10 years ago. This was due to the growing service population and incremental health needs for the public residing in that part of Phillipi,” she said.
