Warnings of more problems after Charlotte Maxeke hospital roof collapse

The collapse of a part of the roof at the Charlotte Maxeke hospital in Johannesburg on Thursday has been followed by warnings that other parts of the building might be at risk.

Gauteng DA caucus leader Jack Bloom said a part of the ceiling collapsed at the dental clinic last week.

“They had to move everyone out there as well‚” he said.

Bloom said: “There are persistent problems right across the hospital. In the oncology and radiation department‚ there’s a gaping hole in the ceiling.”

“This has been going on for years. Obviously they need to do an expert analysis as far as the structural integrity of the building is concerned‚” he said.

Bloom said he had raised concerns about leaks at the hospital and other structural problems for years‚ but it had fallen on deaf ears.

“Rain is a problem and it just seems to be throughout the hospital. They have got buckets with cardboard to soak up the water. It’s not what you’d expect from a major hospital‚” he said.

During an media conference at the hospital on Thursday‚ Gauteng MEC for infrastructure development Jacob Mamabolo said the contractor “has a case to answer“.

“We are definitely going to hold them accountable. We will conduct a further investigation on any other issue‚” he said on Thursday.

Bloom agreed‚ saying “competent contractors” had to be appointed.