Construction work on a major R10,5 million upgrade to Tafelsig Clinic will commence next week, marking a significant milestone for healthcare services in the area.
The project forms part of a broader R15 million investment in City Health facilities this financial year and includes the construction of a first-floor extension, installation of a lift, new internal and external staircases, and various upgrades to the ground floor.
Mayco member for community services and health, councillor Francine Higham, said the upgrade would help meet growing demand for services and provide safer, more accessible care for residents.
“We anticipate that work will be completed by the end of October this year. We thank the affected communities for their patience and support during this time,” Higham said.
Long-awaited improvement
Ward councillor Washiela Harris, who has been advocating for the upgrade for years and has watched the proposal being delayed multiple times, welcomed the announcement.
“Yoh, this is long overdue and the residents of Tafelsig will benefit from the upgrade of the clinic. We are looking at September this year to hand the clinic back and up in full swing,” Harris said.
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The clinic, which opened its doors in 1994, became the site of the first City-run substance abuse outpatient treatment programme using the Matrix® treatment model in 2008.
Service continuity during construction
During the construction period, clients will be able to access services at alternative facilities, including the Thusong Centre opposite the clinic.
The Thusong Centre will provide:
• Child Health services
• Curative services
• Immunisation
• Nutrition services
• Matrix services
The Tafelsig Community Day Centre (CDC) will offer:
• Adult curative services
• Mental Health services
• Basic Antenatal Care
• Reproductive health services
• TB services
• HIV services
All pharmacy services will continue to be provided from the main pharmacy at Tafelsig CDC, whilst Chronic Dispensing Unit medicine parcels will be issued at the Thusong Centre.
To manage the transition, the clinic will use an appointment system to reduce congestion, prioritise youth services Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 16:30, and provide stable chronic patients with four and six-month medication supplies.
Additional infrastructure projects
City Health is also undertaking roof replacement projects at four Khayelitsha clinics valued at nearly R4,5 million.
The work at Luvuyo, Mayenzeke, Site C and Town Two clinics is set to be completed by the end of the financial year in June.
“These projects form part of the City’s broader programme to maintain and improve health infrastructure, ensuring safer, more efficient facilities for both staff and the communities they serve,” Higham added.
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