Phone lines remain down at some Gauteng hospitals, clinics

This was after the telecommunications provider Telkom disconnected phone lines on Monday due to what is claimed to be outstanding payments by the Gauteng Health Department.

A total of 83 clinics and 32 hospitals were affected.

To date, 16 hospitals remain affected.

Gauteng Health said the delayed payments were due to several discrepancies where Telkom would send invoices with descriptions of facilities that do not belong to the department.

Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said R4 million was paid last week, with another R3.4 million due to be released on Monday.

Several hospitals and clinics in Gauteng have activated alternative numbers after Telkom cut phone lines due to unpaid bills.  

Modiba said no timeframe has been established for the restoration of phone lines.

"The issue here is about the outstanding balance, which is in dispute and it is not yet been sorted out and finalised. Once we have got the invoice, the team will then process everything."

Meanwhile, FF Plus in Gauteng’s Amanda de Lange says an amicable solution must be found so the phone lines can be restored.

"The party has noted the department's payment of R7,4 million to Telkom, but it is not enough. The problem should have been solved long ago. The party predicts that the same problem will occur with Rand Water and Eskom, where payments are also delayed."

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