Letaba Dialysis Units: Ramathuba issues April deadline to contractor
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has issued a firm directive to a contractor responsible for incomplete dialysis units at the Letaba Hospital, near Tzaneen, setting a deadline of 15 April for progress assessment, failing which the contract would be terminated.
Ramathuba gave the contractor until the end of April to hand over a completed project.
The Premier made the remarks during an oversight visit, where she was accompanied by Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, following public concern over limited access to dialysis services in the province.
Two dialysis units remain incomplete, contributing to strained capacity in the provincial health system.
Addressing officials and stakeholders, Ramathuba made it clear that the delays would no longer be tolerated.
“They said they have given [the contractor] up to 15 April. If he doesn’t come here, they must terminate him and get a new contractor with immediate effect.”
Ramathuba emphasised the importance of delivery, linking project delays directly to patient outcomes.
“There are lives that were lost because they were waiting… You can’t put money on a life.”
According to the provincial government, the infrastructure budget for the dialysis units stood at an estimated R28 million.
The Premier also warned that failure to act decisively would result in consequences for the responsible officials.
At the same time, the Department of Health had assessed the cost of terminating the contract and reiterated that it is prepared to fight any legal battle in the interest of Limpopo residents.
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