Written by      : Yanga Yiba

Pictures by    : Avela Simayile

Date                : 08 May 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Department is constructing the “New Ideal Clinic” in Balfour. The Department is doing this project on behalf of the Department of Health. This after the Department of Health identified Primary Health Care Facilities across the province which need some facelift.

The construction of the Clinic is in line with the Office of Health Standard Compliance Domain 7 and Ideal Clinic Standards.  It forms part of the Health Department’s infrastructure programme which is designed to realise the strategic goal of the Health Facility Revitalisation Grant.

About 30% of construction work has been subcontracted to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The project has benefitted a total of 70 local labourers through employment opportunities, three (3) graduates and four (4) interns.

The total expenditure on the project to date is R35 million and overall progress on site is at 68% towards completion. The scope of work includes;

• Building prefabricated structures for decanting purposes in order for the clinic to continue providing health care services to the community of Balfour.

•  Construction of a new clinic building, nurses’ home and  guardhouse.

• The external works will include water reticulation, conservancy tank, stormwater drainage piping, sewers, electrical, telephone and data infrastructure, driveways, boundary fencing and parking bays.

The Old Balfour Clinic.

The prefabricated temporal structures provided by DPWI.

Front view of the “New Ideal” Clinic.

Back view of Balfour Clinic.

Progress inside the clinic.

A block under construction.

Sewer structure.