Water Shortage at Mmametlhake Hospital in Mpumalanga Endangers Staff and Patients
Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Mmametlhake Hospital in Mpumalanga is currently facing a critical water shortage, raising concerns regarding the provision of health services.
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Public Servants Association (PSA) of South Africa expressed its “deep concern about the persistent water shortage at Mmametlhake Hospital.”
The union highlighted that the water shortage has profoundly affected health service delivery and constitutes a major infringement on human rights.
“A reliable water supply is crucial for infection control and the effective implementation of acceptable health practices,” the PSA emphasized.
“The absence of water in this facility poses a significant threat to the health and safety of both patients and staff.”
The PSA mentioned that they recently engaged in discussions with the acting district manager and the acting CEO of Mmametlhake Hospital concerning the ongoing water supply issue.
“Regrettably, the hospital management revealed that they depend on the municipality for assistance, as the water supply falls under municipal control,” the PSA stated.
“Although they pledged to seek a solution to this emergency, the plans presented to the PSA do not offer a lasting fix.
“The employer’s proposal involved staff members transporting water buckets from the Jojo tanks to their offices.”
The PSA rejected this suggestion and demanded the intervention of Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) to advocate for the removal of this burden from staff.
“Nonetheless, management has stated that they are diligently working towards a permanent solution, with assistance from a team of specialists from the province expected before the end of the business day,” the PSA reported.
The union claimed that the Mpumalanga Department of Health “is continuously endangering” the health and safety of employees by expecting them to operate under unsafe conditions.
The PSA stated that they cannot accept this situation, as it poses a significant risk not only to union members and staff but also to patients and the broader community due to the potential health hazards.
The union expressed concern regarding the apparent lack of urgency surrounding this issue, with their members and others remaining vulnerable to these dangers in the meantime.
The union indicated that it is now in talks with the Department of Health Provincial Management.
“The involvement of DEL is essential as this matter requires a thorough investigation, and if necessary, a prohibition order should be issued until the water crisis is resolved,” said the PSA.