A R67 million injection into Paarl Hospital is set to fast-track repairs and strengthen the facility following a fire almost two months ago.
The hospital building suffered extensive damage when it caught fire during the afternoon of 27 January this year. Staff members quickly rallied and evacuated some parts of the building, bringing patients to safety at a nearby parking lot across the street. The Fire and Rescue Services of Drakenstein Municipality were quickly on the scene and could contain the fire before it could wreck further havoc. However, the Outpatient Department (OPD) suffered significant damage.
The Western Cape Government has confirmed the funding, announced during the Provincial Budget, to rebuild damaged infrastructure and improve the hospital’s capacity to serve the growing Drakenstein community. The investment will see key areas such as the OPD restored, while also upgrading facilities and replacing equipment ensuring continued access to healthcare for thousands of residents who rely on the hospital.
Paarl Hospital continue to serve
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger says: “While the fire caused real disruption, what we have seen in the weeks since is a system that has adapted quickly to continue delivering care. Our teams have worked around the clock to restore services, support patients, and rebuild critical infrastructure. This R67 million investment is not only about repairing what was damaged. It is about building back stronger, ensuring that Paarl Hospital can continue to serve its community safely and reliably for years to come.”
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Work to restore the OPD has progressed rapidly in the weeks following the fire. The damaged roof structure was removed soon after the incident, and a full reconstruction has already been completed. Interior repairs are currently underway, alongside upgrades to waiting and reception areas.
Despite the fire damage, all services at Paarl Hospital remain operational, although some have been temporarily relocated within the facility to maintain continuity of care. Services that were briefly disrupted including audiology, the kiosk and the Department of Home Affairs have since been fully restored.
Patients visiting the OPD are currently received in a temporary ground-floor waiting area, where staff assist in directing them to the appropriate service points. Additional measures have been implemented to support patient flow and minimise confusion.
Special arrangements are also in place for patients with mobility challenges. Where stair access is not possible, alternative routes – including via the radiology department – are being used to ensure access to care.
While limited lift availability remains a challenge, hospital teams are actively managing the situation to reduce inconvenience and maintain service delivery.
Man arrested shortly after incident
In the meantime Dr Keith Cloete, Head of the Department of Health and Wellness, said the focus has remained on ensuring uninterrupted care while recovery efforts continue.
“At the same time, we have moved quickly to stabilise the facility and began rebuilding. The rapid progress is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the resilience of our systems to respond under pressure.”
The Western Cape Government has thanked healthcare workers, support staff and patients for their patience during the recovery period, with restoration work expected to continue in the coming months.
Since the incident a 35-year-old man, Morné Dampies, has been arrested and charged with arson. The prosecutor said Dampies’ family informed the state about the accused’s mental state and that he was allegedly receiving treatment at Paarl Hospital’s psychiatric ward at the time of the incident. Two vehicles parked close to the building was also destroyed during the fire.
