Goodhope Clinic launch in the rural Makhwaleni Village in the Eastern Cape.
The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) was pleased to support the Eastern Cape Department of Health, on Friday, during the kick-off ceremony for the development of the Good Hope Clinic Project in the Makhwaleni Village. The project will replace temporary healthcare infrastructure, providing access to quality primary healthcare services through a new primary healthcare clinic and staff accommodation.
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Honourable Ntandokazi Capa, highlighted that the new clinic will enhance healthcare access and boost service reliability through upgraded utilities and advanced technology:
“This project is a strategic intervention to provide upgraded water, electricity, and technology systems that support service delivery continuity. Once completed, this facility will provide support for chronic care, maternal and child health, and acute care services. During the various construction phases, this facility will also generate local job opportunities, which is a key priority. This is why we are introducing this community to the contractor today; they will be helping us realise this,” said MEC Capa.
With a project value of just under R60m, the project is currently in the design stage and anticipated for completion in April 2028. Appointed specialists are finalising the clinic layout, engineering plans, and compliance requirements before construction commences. The project scope includes the main clinic building and staff accommodation, a guard house, walkways and parking infrastructure, water, sewer and stormwater systems, electrical and mechanical services, alongside secure fencing.
Ms. Bongi Mabaso Mnyandu, Programme Manager for Coega’s Health Infrastructure Portfolio, shed light on the strategic approach taken in terms of project implementation:
“To fast-track both the planning and delivery of this highly strategic project, Coega, as the implementing agent, has appointed a contractor who comes on board with an integrated multidisciplinary team of built environment professionals. This streamlined approach was followed to ensure efficiency, allowing us to leverage on previous experience and successfully launch the project while providing our clients and stakeholders with a robust platform to showcase the work being done to advance critical infrastructure development.”
To bridge the gap between technical execution and community buy-in, social facilitation will be conducted with the support of Coega Human Capital Solutions, ensuring that the community is consulted throughout the construction process, fostering transparency and community support.
In terms of community beneficiation, the project places emphasis on local socio-economic development. The main contractor has committed 35% to the beneficiation of local SMMEs, which will be closely monitored through monthly reporting. Coega’s SMME Development Unit, in conjunction with the contractor’s team, will identify packages equating to this target, while the sourcing, procurement, appointment and mentoring of SMMEs will strictly follow Coega’s SMME specifications.
Labour targets indicate that 80 people will be employed during the construction process, with specific provisions for women, youth and people living with disabilities.
“The launch of the Good Hope Clinic Project marks a pivotal milestone in addressing healthcare disparities, which is at the very core of preparing the Eastern Cape Province for the roll out of the National Health Insurance. By combining tested infrastructure designs with a steadfast commitment to socio-economic development and community-led social facilitation, we are helping to restore dignity and economic growth in the region, while setting a benchmark for health infrastructure delivery,” concluded Mabaso Mnyandu.
