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The Eastern Cape Health Department said around 78 health facilities across several districts were damaged by gale-force winds that lashed parts of the province over a two-day period last week.
Department spokesperson, Yonela Dekeda, said that roofs and ceilings were blown off, while windows and doors were also damaged as the strong winds also ripped off fascia boards and gutters.
“Electricity and network connections in some facilities have also been affected due to fallen electric poles. These also resulted in disruptions to water supply due to burst water pipes,” she said.
Dekeda said three health facilities that were badly damaged were temporarily closed for repairs.
“Seventy-five facilities experienced moderate to minor damages, with services continuing as per normal,” she added.
The Department said Buffalo City Metro reported the most number of health facilities and clinics being damaged with 34.
“However, only Zwelitsha Zone 5 Clinic (Qonce/KWT) has been severely damaged, forcing the department to temporarily close it. At the moment, the facility will only be able to issue out chronic medication to its patients twice a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from the premises, until the repairs have been completed.”
Dekeda said two other facilities in the Amathole District were also closed temporarily due to the extent of the damage caused.
In Nelson Mandela Bay, just the Korsten Community Health Centre and Park Centre Clinic in Kariega sustained some damage.
Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth said she was happy there were no reported injuries.
“We are also grateful to all the traditional leaders, councillors, civil society, and communities at large who have been working with the department during this time of natural disaster. This shows that they understand health is a societal issue,” she said.
The cost of the wider damage caused by the winds has not yet been quantified, with repairs already underway at facilities with minor damages.
