Conditions at North West’s Covid-19 isolation unit unacceptable
18 April 2020
The FF Plus is concerned about the wellbeing of persons who were placed in forced isolation at the Klerksdorp / Tshepong Hospital Complex by the North West Department of Health.
Various complaints have been received about the poor and uncontrolled conditions in which people are being held in isolation. The complaints include dirty toilet and bathing facilities and a generally unhygienic environment. The ward where the people were placed has not had running water since Wednesday the 5th of April and they are, thus, forced to use the toilet and bathing facilities of other wards.
After the FF Plus's member of the Provincial Legislature in the North West brought these complaints to the attention of the province's MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, he responded by confirming that contractors have been appointed to do the necessary repairs to restore the water supply.
Further complaints include that there are no sanitising agents available. There is apparently also no control over the movement of people in and around the isolation unit.