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The finalisation of the construction of the state-of-the-art primary health care Orchards Clinic in Orange Grove will be accelerated after the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) appointed a new contractor, GVK Siya Zama, from 21 September 2020.

Construction of the clinic, which is situated along Louis Botha Avenue, has undergone many challenges, resulting in delays on the project. In 2018, a new engineer was appointed to create a design solution for construction as a corrective measure following allegations of structural under-design by the previously appointed engineer.

Remedial works were undertaken and all efforts focused on ensuring that the structure complies with the new structural design. Additional steel beams and columns were added throughout the building to create a stronger structure. These remedial works were completed in March 2019.

Construction was once again suspended after the then main contractor, Fikile Construction (Pty) Ltd, failed to meet the September 2019 deadline to complete construction of the clinic after taking over the site in April 2019.

“The JDA remains committed to completing the clinic, which will offer greatly improved health care services to residents of Orange Grove and neighbouring suburbs,” says JDA CEO Mr Anthony T Ngcezula.

The clinic will consist of 20 consulting rooms, emergency facilities, antenatal, ARV and TB service facilities as well as a courtyard, office space and parking area for staff and patients once completed.

The building will incorporate environmentally friendly features allowing for rainwater harvesting, solar heating and maximal use of natural light and ventilation, as well as a vegetable garden.

Orchards Clinic forms part of the four new clinics identified for the upgrade, as part of the Corridors of Freedom programme, and was visited by the City of Joburg’s MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Lawrence Khoza, as part of an oversight tour recently.

“This project has had various challenges in the past, but we are happy that the JDA has had the courage to intervene and make sure that the relevant steps were taken to make sure that this projects is back on track,” says MMC Khoza.

The clinic lies along the Louis Botha Corridor of Freedom where the City is currently rolling out Rea Vaya BRT related infrastructure, which connects multiple nodes from the inner city to Orange Grove to Alex, as well as Sandton.

The infrastructure along this corridor promotes economic activities, recreational spaces and access to health within walkable precincts anchored by transit facilities.

“This facility is critical for the residents of Johannesburg. If there is one thing we have learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that access to healthcare is highly critical. We, as the City of Johannesburg, will be resolute in ensuring that this project is completed on time and that this facility provides access to healthcare,” says Cllr Khoza.

Statement Issued by the City of Johannesburg