The Eastern Cape Department of Health recently unveiled significant progress on healthcare infrastructure projects across Nelson Mandela Bay, with investments focused on security enhancements and facility upgrades to improve patient care and staff safety.
Major upgrades at Dora Nginza Hospital
Dora Nginza Hospital has received a substantial R65 million allocation for Phase 3 upgrades, with particular focus on establishing a Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence through improvements to Block A. Interim outpatient facilities have been operational since February 2024, bringing specialised care to patients in need.
“The Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence at the Dora Nginza Hospital represents our commitment to specialised healthcare for vulnerable children and families,” said the Director of Communications, Siyanda Manana, in a recent report by the department. “This investment directly addresses the rising cases of cerebral palsy and will significantly improve treatment outcomes in our province.” Security and infrastructure enhancements at the hospital include a new perimeter wall, internal fencing, guardhouses, and link passages. Over 50% of this comprehensive security upgrade has been completed as of March 2025. The project has reportedly generated valuable employment opportunities, with eight local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) contributing goods and services worth R4.2 million.
“Local economic development is a key consideration in all our infrastructure projects,” Manana emphasised. “At Dora Nginza alone, we’ve employed 10 local general labourers with plans to increase this number, and provided valuable experience to five students and graduates.”
Clinic security enhancement programme
Several clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay have benefited from the Department’s security enhancement programme completed during the 2024/25 fiscal year. Kwazakhele Community Health Centre has received R8.8 million for Phase 1 emergency maintenance, security upgrades, and external works, scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2025/26. Motherwell NU2 Clinic and Veeplaas Clinic have both undergone successful security enhancements with improved fencing and guardhouses to ensure patient and staff safety.
At the Walmer 14th Avenue Clinic, Vibrracrete fencing replacement and stormwater repairs were completed in June 2024, addressing longstanding structural issues that had affected the facility. “The safety of our healthcare workers and patients is non-negotiable,” said Mr Manana. “These security upgrades create an environment conducive to quality healthcare delivery and protect valuable medical equipment and supplies.”
EMS and Community Health Centre improvements
The 44 Park Drive EMS Livingstone facility has received comprehensive security upgrades, including fencing and CCTV installation as part of the broader NMB/Sarah Baartman security project.
“Emergency Medical Services form the frontline of our healthcare response,” Manana noted. “Securing these facilities ensures that our ambulances and emergency personnel can operate efficiently during critical situations.” Gqeberha Community Health Centre has also benefited from the security enhancement initiative, with fencing upgrades and minor repairs finalised in June 2024, improving the facility’s functionality and safety.
Broader Infrastructure initiative
These projects form part of a R9.6 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure across the Eastern Cape over the past five years. The 2025/26 fiscal year budget allocation includes R530 million for maintenance and repairs, R279.4 million for rehabilitation and refurbishments, and R403 million for upgrades and additions. “These infrastructure developments are not merely about physical buildings, but also about transforming healthcare delivery across the province,” Manana explained. “Every project contributes to our vision of accessible, quality healthcare for all Eastern Cape residents, regardless of where they live.”
Despite challenges including aging infrastructure and weather-related delays, Manana stressed that the department remains committed to improving healthcare facilities across the region. The projects have created significant employment opportunities, with 321 locals benefitting from security-related projects alone.
“Our healthcare infrastructure pipeline demonstrates the Department’s commitment to building a resilient and equitable healthcare system. These investments will serve communities for generations to come, while addressing immediate healthcare needs,” Manana concluded.
