Cape Town – Acting Democratic Alliance Western Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela on Sunday welcomed relief efforts following the fire at Swartland Hospital in Malmesbury and thanked all those involved.
The Swartland Hospital burnt down on Saturday. The cause of the fire was still being investigated, but there were no fatalities, he said.
However, one patient incurred a minor injury. About 90 patients had been moved to nearby hospitals in Atlantis, Stellenbosch, and Paarl. The mayors of Swartland municipality and West Coast district municipality, and Western Cape health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo were on the scene.
"The DA welcomes efforts across spheres of government as well as by the Swartland constituency head Anton Bredell in assisting those affected by the fire," Madikizela said.
"We also welcome the support offered by the local community to the affected patients. A church hall was opened where some patients received care prior to being moved to hospitals in surrounding areas. Community members offered blankets and supplies to those affected."
Fire at Swartland Hospital, Malmesbury @StanfromIBF #HospitalFire #SwartlandHospital pic.twitter.com/eLsIISxdGU
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 18, 2017
The administration block of the Swartland Hospital was still standing but the rest had largely been destroyed. Construction work was underway at the time of the fire and it was not yet clear whether the cause of the fire was related to the construction site.
"Emergencies, such as incidents of stabbings, are currently being dealt with at the local clinic, while births are being referred to Paarl. Piketberg, Vredenburg, and Porterville hospitals are currently on stand-by for serious emergencies.
"The DA also thanks the collaborative efforts by the Swartland municipality and the West Coast district municipality in fighting the fire at the Swartland Hospital," Madikizela said.