20 Aug 2026

Improved service delivery require collective efforts by all concerned stakeholders in the district.

Addressing a full council meeting on Tuesday, Moshupa District Council Chairperson, Mr Peter Sethibe says gave a frank assessment of key infrastructure projects and provision of health services.

While appreciating progress made by some sectors in the district, he was concerned by obstacles in service delivery.

He primarily highlighted the delay in the opening of the long awaited Moshupa Primary Hospital. 

Although the hospital buildings were nearly complete, he said the facility was still awaiting installation of critical equipment including X-ray machines, communication systems and ICT networks. 

Mr Sethibe said testing and installation of essential equipment were ongoing, while hydrological, hydraulic and structural assessments continued. 

Even though concerned by the delay in availing the facility for public use to alleviate access to health services, Mr Sethibe noted that it was important to finalise critical components before the hospital could begin operations.

Mr Sethibe also expressed concern on the declining availability of essential medicines in district health facilities. “As of July 31, 2026, overall drug availability stood at 32.4 per cent,” he said. 

He said Asthma medicines were reported at zero per cent, hypertensive medicines at 22.6 per cent, mental health and maternal health medicines at 39.5 per cent and Anti-retroviral medicines remained at 100 per cent availability,.

Despite the shortage, Mr Sethibe highlighted a major public health success in Polio vaccination campaign.

“The district successfully conducted Polio vaccination campaigns in May and June, achieving a coverage rate of 98.9 per cent,” said Mr Sethibe.

On mental health, he reported that the number of clinical psychology cases declined by 24 per cent, from 37 to 28 cases, while cases of depression and adjustment disorders decreased and registering an increase in stress-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

“New cases involving alcohol use disorder and parent-child relationship problems were also recorded,” he said. 

Mr Sethibe emphasised the need for stronger community support, awareness campaigns, support groups and improved referral systems to address emerging health challenges.

Reflecting on some of the ongoing infrastructural projects, Mr Sethibe said construction of Moshupa–Manyana road was nine months behind schedule.

He cited that progress stood at 45 per cent against a planned 84 per cent. 

Mr Sethibe said the contractor has indicated that earlier financial challenges have been overcome and that teams were being mobilised to accelerate work and recover lost time.

He underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between council, contractors, health authorities and the community to ensure that outstanding projects were completed and that health services continue to improve. ENDS