The new 1 790m² modern Bophelong Clinic in Doornkop, Soweto, is on track for completion this year, with the sub-structure, superstructure, roof structure and roof covering now completed. 

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Health, has been implementing the construction of the larger and modernised facility. 

The clinic is another demonstration of the City’s drive to provide healthcare facilities within a 5km radius for all communities. Since construction recommenced under Covid-19 Alert Level 3, the building of the facility is steadily progressing. 

“The construction of the clinic is currently at stage five, 95% completion, meaning that the community of Doornkop, Soweto, will have access to a world-class facility capable of accommodating larger volumes of patients and providing a wider range of services,” says MMC for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Eunice Mgcina.

“The Bophelong Clinic project is part of the broader City of Johannesburg health infrastructure upgrade programme, which is aimed at improving access to basic health services for the residents,” MMC Mgcina adds.

Due to the population growth in the area, the existing Bophelong Clinic was no longer able to meet the needs of the community. This put enormous pressure on the clinic and its ability to meet residents’ needs.

The facility’s eco-friendly concept design uses technological innovations such as solar panels to reduce operational costs and minimise the carbon footprint of the development, CCTV and access control to ensure safety, and light-emitting diode (LED) energy saving lighting. 

“The City of Johannesburg, under the Government of Local Unity (GLU), has outlined 11 Strategic Priorities to coordinate effective responses to the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) and has identified sustainable service delivery as a strategic priority to accelerate service delivery and make an impactful difference in the residents of the City,” says MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Lawrence Khoza. 

The facility’s wheelchair friendly ramps, balustrades and handrails mean that the elderly and people with disabilities will be able to safely access the building. 

Once completed, Bophelong Clinic will feature a 200-seat waiting area, with public ablutions; a children’s play area linked to the waiting area, with a view of food gardens; and dispensary, easily accessed from the waiting area; and ample natural light from the rooflights and windows. 

The overall scope of works includes the construction of 18 consulting rooms, including an emergency wing, chronic wing, acute wing, a waiting area, guard house and parking area.