Union alarmed by water crisis at Limpopo clinic
The Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has expressed concern over an alleged water crisis at the Lesedi Clinic in Lephalale.
According to a statement by the union, the clinic has been operating without water for four months after the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) deemed the water undrinkable.
"Hospersa is appalled by the Limpopo Department of Health’s handling of this crisis which infringes on the basic human rights of access to water and sanitation of both the staff members and the patients at the clinic," the union says.
According to reports, the clinic has been operating without water after supply was infected by bacteria.
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The union says the matter has been reported to the provincial department of health who in turn stated that water supply does not fall under their responsibility.
"We are shocked to learn that the department of health has washed its hands in the face of the crisis," Hospersa Limpopo Provincial Secretary, JJ Mashego says.
Mashego adds that it is "unacceptable to shift blame to another state-owned entity."
"The Department should be at the forefront when it comes to these matters, as it poses a direct threat to its mandate for delivering health care service to the Lephapane community," he adds.