Opinion Piece: Coega Delivers 60 Health Infrastructure Development Projects Worth R7bn
Caption: This year alone, the Coega Development Corporation celebrated the opening of three healthcare facilities, fulfilling its role as Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice, while creating employment opportunities for local communities and SMMEs. Pictured here: Zithulele Hospital construction that is currently underway.
Gqeberha, South Africa, 05 October 2023 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development as a key priority of the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. Based on 24 years’ expertise in infrastructure delivery, and with projects underway across the country and into Africa, Coega has demonstrated remarkable success spearheading infrastructure development and maintenance projects for public health, education, and other programmes by virtue of its vision and competence. A significant achievement lies in Coega’s ability to integrate economic opportunities within the execution of these projects, thereby fostering growth and prosperity in local communities.
Coega’s Infrastructure Programme, which includes the Department of Health (DoH) Infrastructure Portfolio, has to date, been involved in the delivery of more than 60 health-related infrastructure projects to an approximate value of R7bn. More than 10 000 jobs have been created on the Portfolio. The DoH Infrastructure Portfolio plays a critical role in enhancing public spaces to promote inclusive socio-economic development and related outcomes, and is informed by the National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.
In the socio-economic context, development refers to the improvement of lifestyles through employment, skills development, education, and income amongst other factors. Through effective project management, Coega has revolutionised the way projects are executed, impacting communities in terms of benefit realisation. The R680-million Sipetu District Hospital, for example, is one of the three recently opened healthcare facilities, with the Coega Development Corporation fulfilling its role as Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice, alongside the Khotsong TB Hospital and Meje Community Health Centre. Collectively, the three facilities awarded SMMEs contracts to the value of no less than R275m.
As a public entity and an Implementing Agent of Choice, Coega holds itself to strict account when placing socio-economic development and inclusive growth at the forefront of infrastructure development, and the DoH Portfolio is no exception. The participation of SMMEs is a standard imperative, with opportunities earmarked for local entrepreneurs by way of designated target areas. The Coega SMME Programme facilitates the growth of small to medium size businesses during the construction process while artisans are recruited and upskilled through the Coega Skills Development Centre.
Since the inclusion of the SMME Programme in the DoH Portfolio in 2007, Coega has seen hundreds of SMMEs benefit from large infrastructure projects. The experience that local SMMEs gain from these projects equips them with the expertise required to provide specialist maintenance services for healthcare and other state-owned facilities in the future.
The maintenance of infrastructure is also integral to achieving improved health outcomes, and thus quality of life, for communities. Coega’s DoH Infrastructure Portfolio is equipped with a highly skilled team that has acquired the experience needed to deliver contemporary facilities to enable the delivery of healthcare services to previously underserved communities.
Khotsong TB Hospital in Matatiele before and post construction by the Coega Development Corporation
Recent milestones include the official launch of the ultramodern 100 bedded Sipetu District Hospital in Ntabankulu, equipped with general wards, maternity wards, tuberculosis (TB) wards, and a paediatric ward; the opening of the Khotsong TB Hospital in Matatiele as a specialised centre for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of TB patients equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities; and the opening of the Meje Community Health Centre in Bizana, all completed by providing local employment opportunities.
Official opening of Meje Community Health Centre in Bizana with Coega as the Implementing Agent
In response to the evolving socio-economic needs of South Africa, Coega has emerged as a trailblazer in infrastructure implementation and maintenance, complementing its role as Africa’s leading operator and developer of the 9003ha Coega SEZ, which is also a gateway to Africa and World markets. From project inception to completion, Coega remains steadfast in its vision to be a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
[WATCH] Construction video of Sipetu District Hospital.
[WATCH] Construction video of Khotsong Tuberculosis Hospital.