Samora Machel residents are appealing to the City of Cape Town to reopen the local clinic.
The Weltevreden Valley Clinic was forced to close after City of Cape Town employees were attacked while repairing the sewage pipe at Helen Joseph Street in April last year.
One employee was killed in the attack, prompting the City to shut down its operations including the clinic to protect their employees.
Since then, residents had to use neighbouring clinics including Colorado Clinic. They have now had enough and are urging the City to reconsider its decision. They say the neighbouring clinics are too far.
Resident Luthando Gonzo asked the City to intervene and think of all the poor people who struggle to go to Colorado every month.
“We understand the circumstances that led to the City deciding to close the clinic. As people who are utilising the clinic we are struggling to get our medication. I’m diabetic and have high blood pressure. I have to go to Mitchell’s Plain every month to fetch my medication and it costs me,” said Gonzo.
Another resident, who described herself as Wewe, said she is a chronic patient. She collects her treatment in Philippi.
“It’s too far there and the clinic is always full. I sometimes default my treatment because of long queues,” said Wewe.
The City’s mayco member for community service and health Patricia van der Ross said there is a “tentative date” for opening of the clinic. This, he said, is dependent on the ongoing road works in the community.
“The community can attend the closest facility in their geographical area but most clients visit the Colorado Hall.
“The clinic was initially closed because of a security incident at the facility,” said Van der Ross.