The community of Temba in Hammanskraal has been without access to the Temba Clinic for over a week after burst sewer pipes rendered the facility’s toilets inoperable, forcing its closure.
As a result, residents have been directed to seek medical care at other clinics in the area, an arrangement that has proven difficult for elderly residents and chronic patients whose files are kept at Temba Clinic.
When Moretele Times visited the clinic yesterday, several patients arrived unaware that the facility was closed. Some had travelled to collect their medication, only to be turned away without receiving treatment or referrals.
The apparent lack of communication with residents, particularly those living farther from the clinic, meant many made the trip to collect their medication, only to return home empty-handed.
One patient on chronic HIV treatment expressed concern about the risk of defaulting.
“I rely on my medication, and when I arrived here, I didn’t know whether there were renovations or what was happening. As a result, I couldn’t get my medication. I have chronic HIV, and at the end of the day, this means I might default,” the patient said.
Despite the clinic having two JoJo tanks intended for water storage, patients said there has been no water available at the facility. Some reported being forced to bring their own water from home.
“Regarding the issue of water, you have to bring your own from home, and if you don’t, you’ll have to buy it,” added the patient, who asked not to be named.
Upon visiting the clinic, this publication was denied access to the premises and was not permitted to photograph the burst sewer pipes reportedly responsible for the closure. Clinic management declined to respond to questions on-site, stating that a formal appointment would be required to access the facility or take photographs.
In efforts to obtain official comment, clinic staff were unable to provide contact details for the relevant authorities. Moretele Times subsequently contacted the Department of Health spokesperson responsible for clinics in Tshwane and Hammanskraal, Mr Philani Mhlungu. He indicated that the department would only be able to respond next week, specifically on Tuesday, as Monday is a public holiday.
According to information gathered during our visit, as the closure continues into the long weekend, chronic patients — particularly those without transport to alternative facilities — remain without access to their medication or referrals due to the blocked toilets.
“I was told to return on Tuesday, but I am left wondering how I am supposed to manage over the next four days,” said one patient who was turned away.
