Water woes force Malvern Clinic to shut early as reservoir repairs continue
CRISIS
Major repairs at Alexander Park Reservoir are exacerbating Gauteng’s ongoing water crisis, resulting in early closures of essential healthcare facilities like Malvern Clinic. This highlights urgent needs for infrastructure improvements in the region.
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Major repairs at the Alexander Park Reservoir in Kensington have deepened Gauteng’s water crisis, forcing the Malvern Clinic to shut its doors early as taps run dry.
DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom says Malvern Clinic has battled water shortages before, recalling how he previously had to step in to get Joburg Water to restore supply and reopen the toilets.
“My previous intervention got Joburg Water to restore the water and allow the reopening of the toilets, but urgent action is now needed to connect the water tank, as the clinic has again been forced to close early because of water shortages in the area. These shortages will worsen because of major repairs to the Alexander Park Reservoir in Kensington.”
He added that the Gauteng Health Department has only scheduled minor upgrades for the 2025/26 financial year, which include connecting the clinic’s water tank to its internal pipes. Bloom criticised the delay, arguing that the work could be done immediately at little cost.
“There is no reason to delay the Jojo tank connection to the pipes, as this can be done easily at little expense. Without this connection, staff must use buckets, and the toilets do not have flushing water,” Bloom said.
He stressed that minor upgrades will not resolve the crisis, arguing that the Malvern Clinic is far too small and urgently needs to be relocated.
He said he would raise the matter directly with the Gauteng MEC for Health, urging her to intervene with the Johannesburg Metro Council, which manages the clinic and holds the repair budget.
Bloom added that he will work alongside DA ward councillor Neuren Pietersen to fast-track the relocation by identifying a suitable nearby site.
He also said that the Department explained any relocation of the clinic would follow proper procedures, with the Gauteng Health Department and City of Johannesburg working together to find land and get City Council approval, depending on available budget.
Bloom emphasised that the DA will pinpoint other clinics facing poor conditions and water shortages, and advocate for both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure patients can access essential primary healthcare.
The Star