As part of Mandela Month commemorations, Eastern Cape Public Works, Infrastructure (DPWI) and Human Settlements MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, handed over revamped Mjanyana hospital blocks to the Mjanyana community, in the AB Xuma Local Municipality.

MEC Lusithi was joined by AB Xuma Mayor Councillor Siyabulela Zangqa and members of his executive council as well as a delegation from the Chief Pokwana Royal House as led by Chief Jongisilo Pokwana.

The visit marked the official handover of the refurbished administration block, upgrades of which were carried out by an in-house DPWI Expanded Public Works officers who are under the Accelerated Professional Development Programme (APTCoD).

This follows a concern the Department received from Chief Pokwana Royal House about the poor state of the Hospital buildings, especially the administration block and dining hall.

In response, the Department did a conditional assessment of the dining hall and the administration block. It was agreed that the scope of work would include painting of all the doors, ceiling and walls inside and outside; fixing of leaking roofs, broken doors, facial boards and leaking ablution facilitates, to mention but a few.

Addressing Mjanyana community members MEC Lusithi emphasized the broader impact of the project, saying this initiative was not just about renovating the Hospital. It was also about equipping young people with valuable skills through their involvement in this project. Moreover, this project demonstrates how different arms of the government can collaborate effectively to bring positive change to communities.

The MEC also highlighted that through programmes such as APTCoD and EPWP, the Department is addressing both infrastructure needs and youth unemployment by providing practical training and experience in their areas of trade.